Aids and IV Drug Users: the Situation in Australia

Abstract
Many people believe that AIDS is not a problem for IV drug users in Australia. Yet, overseas evidence clearly shows that it will be. Early in 1985, infection with AIDS‐related retro‐virus (ARV) among Australian users was apparent. Sharing of needles and syringes is a high risk practice and is common within the IV drug using community. It appears that IV drug users are at a significantly greater risk of ARV infection than other groups. The issues associated with AIDS and IV drug use are many and complex. AIDS will become a major issue for drug and alcohol workers in the near future.