Citation

Azores-Gococo NM, Fridberg DJ. Psychiatr. Ann. 2017; 47(1): 45-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Healio)

DOI

10.3928/00485713-20161208-01

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

People who inject drugs (PWIDs) (of whom there are approximately 16 million worldwide) are at a high risk for severe health consequences, including HIV, hepatitis C virus, and death from overdose. Strategies to reduce the harms associated with injection drug use have been implemented on a global level and have demonstrated success in reducing HIV transmission, risky injection practices (eg, needle sharing), and illicit drug use. This article reviews the evidence base for three widely implemented and well-validated harm-reduction strategies for PWIDs: (1) needle- and syringe-exchange programs, (2) medication-assisted therapy for opioid use disorder, and (3) HIV testing and counseling. We also highlight barriers to service for PWIDs, particularly among marginalized populations. This article concludes with recommendations for addressing those barriers and for further research. [Psychiatr Ann. 2017;47(1):45-48.]

Language: en