Reducing HIV/STD Risk Behaviors: A Research Study for Men in Drug Abuse Treatment

Drug treatment itself can have a powerful positive effect on HIV drug use risk behavior, especially needle use behaviors. However, sexual risk behavior has received less attention and has been shown to be more difficult to change. Research suggests that skills-based HIV risk reduction interventions with peer group discussion and single sex sessions can reduce risky sexual behavior. This study evaluated a five-session HIV risk reduction group therapy designed specifically for men. This therapy was compared to one session of HIV education, which is typically provided as standard care in drug treatment clinics.