• About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

Harris HouseHarris House
  • About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Understanding Integrated Intervention for Those with HIV and a Substance Use Disorder

May 15, 2019 Posted by grant Abuse, Blog, LGBTQ addiction
Syringes and pills on a table top.

Different drugs merit different treatment approaches — especially as they pertain to injection drug use, HIV, and mortality rates.

“People who inject drugs and have HIV experience high mortality and face many obstacles in accessing care,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The good news? Researchers have determined that integrated interventions are an effective way to support both the health and the survival of this population. Here’s a closer look at the research on this topic, along with more information on why integrated interventions matter.

About the Research

According to research published in The Lancet, people who inject drugs (PWID) not only have a higher incidence of HIV but also have little access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). High mortality is an unfortunate outcome. In response to these statistics, scientists set out to determine whether integrated and flexible interventions would lead to better outcomes.

Their ultimate determination was that participants in the intervention group — which included immediate referral to anti-HIV therapy, assignment of a “systems navigator” to help participants stay in treatment for HIV and substance abuse, and psychosocial counseling — came out ahead of the standard of care group both in terms of engaging in HIF treatment and viral suppression. They also died at half the rate.

“Given the strength of the effect of the intervention, its implementation among HIV-infected PWID should be considered,” conclude researchers.

Lead researcher Dr. William Miller told NIDA Notes, “Although this trial was conducted in three global sites, it has important lessons for the opioid crisis in the United States as well. Systems navigation and case management can help people get the care they need. Hopefully, this study will support that in the United States.”

While these findings can come into play across all segments of the population, they’re especially relevant to members of the LGBTQ community, who are at high risk for both addiction and HIV.

Building on What We Know

The research supports the principles of effective treatment that have emerged from decades worth of scientific research, as delineated by NIDA. These include the following:

  • that no single treatment is right for everyone
  • that effective treatment addresses all of a patient’s needs — beyond their drug use
  • that counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment
  •  that medications are often an important part of treatment — especially when combined with behavioral therapies
  • that treatment plans must be regularly reviewed and modified
  • that treatment should address other possible mental disorders
  • that treatment programs should not only test patients for HIV and other infectious diseases but also teach them steps they can take to reduce their risk
Person holding a red ribbon.

Integrated interventions save lives, say researchers.

Concludes NIDA of the many treatments for drug addiction, “A range of care with a tailored treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community- or family-based recovery support systems.”

St. Louis area substance abuse treatment center Harris House’s holistic approach to treatment and recovery is keenly aligned with these and other findings. Using a treatment philosophy that targets the integrated healing of mind, body, and spirit, Harris House recognizes the importance of comprehensive individualized treatment and recovery plans for every person struggling with a substance use disorder. To learn more about our LGBTQ addiction treatment programs,  contact us today.

Tags: LGBTsubstance abuse
Share
0

About grant

This author hasn't written their bio yet.
grant has contributed 289 entries to our website, so far.View entries by grant

    You also might be interested in

    PTSD and Substance Abuse: Exploring the Relationship

    Feb 22, 2017

    PTSD and substance abuse often go hand in hand. Between[...]

    Six Ways Sobriety Improves Your Life

    Jun 5, 2017

    Knowing you want to make a positive change in your[...]

    LGBT Addiction: Coming Out

    Jun 21, 2017

    Substance abuse is an equal opportunity affliction that impacts people across[...]

    Recent Posts

    • A Guide to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers
    • What to Look for When Searching for the Right Rehab Facilities in St. Louis
    • The Benefits of a Holistic Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction – The Solution You’ve Been Searching For
    • What to Expect from Your 28-Day Residential Treatment Program
    • The Difference Between Intensive Inpatient Therapy (24-Hour Drug Rehab Centers) and Other Facilities

    Insurance Providers

    Substance use insurance coverage and benefits can be multifaceted and will vary with the different insurance companies and plans. The Harris House Insurance Department has experience working with insurance providers to get our clients the maximum benefits possible. Let our staff do the work for you. LEARN MORE

    Insurance Providers Insurance Providers Insurance Providers

    Credentialing Partners

    Harris House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Harris House is also certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, approved by the Better Business Bureau as an A+ accredited charity and a proud member of United Way of Greater St. Louis. LEARN MORE

    DMH Carf BBB United Way

    Contact Us

    Let your recovery begin

    We're here to help.

    Please reach out with any questions

    CONTACT US

    314-631-4299

    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate

    Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

    Harris HouseHarris House
    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate
    About Us
    Treatments
    Resources
    Gallery
    Contact Us
    Donate

    For individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, Harris House helps people achieve sobriety and become healthy and productive individuals. Since our founding in 1961, Harris House has grown to become a top-rated non-profit treatment center.

    CALL US TODAY

    314-631-4299

    2706 S. River Rd
    St. Charles, MO 63303

    8315 South Broadway
    St. Louis, MO 63111

    © 2023 HARRIS HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    Prev Next