AIDS/HIV progress requires broader plan
In response to the letter, "County must reduce spread of HIV/AIDS" (Nov. 28), trading sex for crack ranks high in our community as the cause of transmission of HIV/AIDS; yet, the HIV/AIDS-prevention efforts do not make long-term substance-abuse treatment, which is needed for crack addiction, a priority. Many do not even mention substance-abuse treatment.
Passing out condoms and needle exchange do help prevent transmission but are only Band-Aids, doing nothing to treat the addiction.
If they would focus even half their needle-exchange/harm-reduction efforts on advocating for appropriate substance-abuse treatment, we might begin to see a reversal in the transmission of this disease.
We need a real, comprehensive, committed, coordinated plan to address this epidemic now.
Susan Mills
Greensboro
Comments (6)
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Like what? Pants with no zippers? Kneecuffs? I'll support any program that makes sense but only self-control seems to be the answer. We know alcohol kills thousands each year and self-control is the only tried and true answer to that problem. Seems to me that the answer to preventing AIDS is much the same.
Posted on December 5, 2005 10:07 AM
"trading sex for crack ranks high in our community as the cause of the transmission of HIV/AIDS"...
'nuff said.
Posted on December 5, 2005 12:07 PM
My student and I,from High Point University, presented, at a county town hall meeting, a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program design.
They liked the design alot and they are very aware of the problem. I think that most programs are very cost driven and have to stretch every dollar they have. There are many options to be used if someone knew of a philanthropist who needed a tax deduction.
Posted on December 5, 2005 4:52 PM
For gosh sakes, JoeJoe, clue us in. I can claim a discovery for cancer if I don't have to disclose what it is. The need for a financial benefactor suggests spending will do it...forget it as the pipe dream it is. Besides, the issue is AIDS.
Posted on December 5, 2005 7:59 PM
Cutawad,
I think that we may be on the same page. Yes the issue is AIDS, and there is a high relationship between substance use (abuse) and the HIV transmission. The comprehensive design that I referenced could be a starting point because early in the assessment phase, the patient would be given a complete physical exam etc.
AIDS is also contracted by other means as well.
And Yes we need diversified facilities, but if we have to start somewhere, we have a substance abuse treatment model that could initially integrate treatment for who need treatment for substance abuse and AIDs.
I'm with you and? but? money has to be allocated in sufficient amounts so that a proper and substantive beginning can take place.
Posted on December 6, 2005 12:20 PM
I had relatives who were involved deeply with drugs. The physical you mention is fine after the problem exists. I still don't see a plan to stop it from happening other than the individual having a stringent personal regimen of self control. 28 days, what insurance will pay for, is a hoot. Many return to usage on the way home from these facilities. Lord knows, we've spent buckets full on enforcement, treatment, counselling, etc. but, at the end of the day, guess who is responsible...
Posted on December 6, 2005 1:10 PM