week 7

Running Head: SPREAD OF HIV THROUGH DRUG ABUSE 1

SPREAD OF HIV THROUGH DRUG ABUSE 6

The Widespread of HIV/AIDS through Substance

Abuse by the Use of Needles in the State of Georgia

James C. McGoogan

Grand Canyon University: PCN 527

November 8, 2016

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a primary public health issue that has caused numerous deaths not only in Georgia but also in many other parts of the world. Despite the numerous control efforts being put in place not only by the health sector but also by other non-governmental organizations, it still continues to spread at a fast rate. The effects of this pandemic are felt in all sectors of life, including schools, the health sector, households and workplaces, just to mention a few. There are many modes of transmission of the disease such as sexual intercourse, sharing of sharp objects with infected persons, blood transfusion, among many others. As a result of this, millions of people have to be put under antiretroviral treatment to manage the condition since it has no cure. In this paper, I will discuss HIV transmission in terms of substance abuse by the use of needles. Individuals who inject drugs form one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to the spread of HIV. It is important to note that approximately a third of global HIV infections are as a result of drug abuse.

The Widespread of HIV/AIDS through Substance

Abuse by the Use of Needles in the State of Georgia

Introduction

In the city of Georgia, the number of drug users is growing by the day. Regardless of the high risk of HIV infection among drug addicts, they still form the largest percentage of people with the least access to the modes of HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The reason for this is that at most times, drug users are often stigmatized, and hence a majority of the healthcare workers do not put much effort towards this vital population. Furthermore, many of the drug users are at most times more likely to test for the infection late hence increasing the chances of further transmission unknowingly.

Literature review

According to Shotpaw (2013), the most effective way of reducing the spread of HIV among drug users is prevention. He lays down various evidence-based strategies that can be used in the creation of awareness among this population. About his research, drug users should be taught on the different means of prevention by the use of drug treatment programs. A part from prevention, such forums can also help in the detection and treatment of the disease.

Moreover, according to Rosminska et al. (2015), the sharing of needles while injecting drugs can not only lead to the spread of HIV but also other diseases such as hepatitis. The researchers, in this case, explain that both geographical and regional factors account for the variation of human immunodeficiency infection rates among individuals of substance abuse. In regards to this, the researchers explain that certain regions need more attention than others when it comes to the fight against the pandemic. The article, therefore, calls for an increased need for intervention to lower the rate of transmission of the virus.

Volcow and Montaner (2011), also agree with the fact that the increasing rate of HIV infection can be attributed to substance abuse. This factor is vividly brought out in their article, the urgency of providing comprehensive and integrated treatment for substance abusers with HIV. The two authors take note that offering of treatment to those living with HIV is hindered by misconceptions such as the drug users are not disciplined enough to receive progressive healthcare. The two scholars shed light on this issue and urge the healthcare givers to put extra effort in this particular group of people so as to curb the rapid spread of the disease.

Spector and Remien (2015), on the other hand, remind individuals that the most effective way of combating the speedy spread of HIV in populations is the creation of awareness. In their article, the two authors point out the fact that the provision of counseling services can go a long way in combating the spread of the pandemic. Furthermore, the articles suggest the steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of the infections among drug users who use needles. Besides, it also highlights the various barriers encountered while implementing the preventive measures.

Ahmed et al. (2015) wrote an article titled Drug injecting and HIV risk among injecting drug users in Hai Phong, Vietnam: a qualitative analysis. They also tackled the issue of an increasing rate of HIV transmission among Injecting Drug Users (IDU). The authors also noted that there is an increased rate of sex and drug-related risky behaviors in particular among the youth who are also IDUs. Concerning this, the scholars suggested ways to curb such high-risk traits. The article is important as it puts emphasis on the injecting drug users, suggesting how they can not only prevent but also get adequate medical care.

In an additional study, Pasa et al. (2016) look into the concept of the sharing of syringes among drug users. In an attempt to achieve their objective, the researchers looked into the risk exposures to various blood-borne infections such as HIV. According to their findings, a big percentage of the substance users end up acquiring the infection due to the lack of extensive awareness. This study also suggests on strategies which can be applied towards the reduction of such risky tendencies.

Conclusion

Since the spread of HIV is growing every day, there is a need for individuals to come up with long- lasting measures to deal with this disaster. From the above findings, drug users account for a big percentage of new HIV infections. Given this, it is paramount to offer intervention among the drug users who use syringes. By reducing drug use and other high-risk behaviors, the number of new infections will be significantly reduced in Georgia.

References

Ahmed, T., Long, T. N., Huong, P. T., & Stewart, D. E. (2015). Drug injecting and HIV risk

among injecting drug users in Hai Phong, Vietnam: a qualitative analysis. BMC

public health, 15(1), 1.

Pasa, M. K., Alom, K. R., Bashri, Z., & Vermund, S. H. (2016). Sharing of Needles and

Syringes among Men Who Inject Drugs: HIV Risk in Northwest Bangladesh. PloS

one, 11(2), e0148276.

Rosińska, M., Sierosławski, J., &Wiessing, L. (2015). High regional variability of HIV,

HCV and injecting risks among people who inject drugs in Poland: comparing a

cross-sectional bio-behavioural study with case-based surveillance. BMC Infectious

Diseases, 15(1), 1-11. doi:10.1186/s12879-015-0828-9

Shoptaw, S. (2013). HIV prevention for people who use substances: Evidence-based

strategies. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 21(Supplement), S91-S94.

doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2013.09.042

Spector, A. Y., & Remien, R. H. (2015). Delivery of Behavioral HIV Prevention Services in

New York City Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Clinics: Providers'

Perspectives on Opportunities and Challenges. AIDS Education and

Prevention, 27(1), 1.

Volkow, N. D., & Montaner, J. (2011). The urgency of providing comprehensive and

integrated treatment for substance abusers with HIV. Health Affairs, 30(8), 1411-1419.