News & Events
Awareness Months
On this page we will highlight national awareness months related to mental health and substance use/misuse.
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness month
December is recognized as HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, a time to emphasize various harm reduction strategies aimed at reducing the risks associated with drug use and behaviors that increase the likelihood of HIV/AIDS infection. The sharing of needles and syringes greatly heightens the risk of blood-borne transmission of HIV. Moreover, drug use is frequently associated with engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected intercourse and trading sex for drugs or money, which further compounds the risk of HIV/AIDS infection.
By adopting harm reduction strategies, we can effectively diminish behaviors that elevate the risk of HIV infection among both injecting and non-injecting drug users. Extensive research indicates that individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders often reduce or cease their drug use and related behaviors, including unsafe sexual practices.
Additionally, studies have shown that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can significantly lower risky behaviors among individuals who inject drugs, thereby aiding in the prevention of HIV infection. For example, the HPTN 058 trial, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), demonstrated that the MAT buprenorphine/naloxone can help reduce risks associated with HIV transmission.
Needle exchange programs are vital in decreasing needle sharing and encouraging safe injection practices. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of these programs in lowering the incidence of new HIV infections. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in late 2015 found that the average monthly rate of new HIV infections among drug users in Washington, D.C., dropped by approximately 70 percent following the introduction of a needle exchange program in 2008.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that preventing HIV transmission among individuals who use drugs continues to be a significant public health challenge. The NIH is actively engaged in addressing this issue.
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