AIDS and Injecting Drug Use in Later Life

Abstract

Despite substantial progress in slowing the epidemic among substance-abusing populations, new cases of HIV increasingly can be attributed directly to injecting drug use through contaminated needles or indirectly through sexual transmission. While many studies examine factors related to drug use practices and AIDS among young and middle-aged substance abusers, few studies have considered how HIV is contracted or experienced among older addicts. This article reviews what is known about HIV and older substance abusers with special emphasis on the age-related factors that shape the experience of AIDS for this population. Next, drawing on findings from the Partners in Community Health Project, the analysis explores factors that underlie older injectors' and other substance abusers' risk for HIV. Next, issues related to treatment of older HIV-positive injecting drug users are explored. Finally, priorities for future research are identified.