Is There a Correlation Between Sexually Trasmitted Diseases and Drug Abuse?

Behaviors that are associated with abuse of drugs have been established as one of the factors that contribute to the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases can come in the form of HIV infection, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia infections.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Infections and Drug Use

A study on arrested boy and girl juveniles conducted by Dr. Richard Dembo and several colleagues from University of South Florida and the Temple University in Philadelphia have found a significant correlation between the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections, and the use of cocaine and marijuana. The findings were confirmed by urine tests. A survey was also conducted to the same subjects, and the surveys yield additional evidence confirming that drug abuse is a primary risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases. It has been established that sexual activity while using drugs was at 8% for boys and 9% among girls. This is considered as the second common risk factor for the boys and third risk factor for the girls. The second risk factor for the girls would be sexual assault at 10%. On the other hand, the primary risk factor is heterosexual intercourse without the use of a condom at 21% for boys and 24% for girls. The result of the study indicates that there is a need to have sexually transmitted disease testing, as well as treatment to all arrested juveniles for the purpose of improving the health of the population which lacks access to health care.

HIV Infection and Drug Abuse

HIV infection can cause AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This condition is characterized by a defect on the natural immunity of the body to diseases. People who have this condition are at risk for developing severe health conditions. Even if people who have AIDS may survive for many years with proper treatment and intervention, there is no known vaccine or cure for this condition. The sharing of used and unsterile needles, rinse water, cotton swabs, and cookers when injecting illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine can actually leave any drug user vulnerable to transmitting, as well as contracting, HIV infection. In addition to these, simply using and abusing drugs regardless of whether needles are used or not can also increase the risk of contracting HIV for drug users. A research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute of Drug Abuse has shown that drug as well as alcohol abuse can actually interfere with a person’s judgment regarding sexual behaviors. Thus, these can affect the chance of engaging in an unprotected and unplanned sexual activity. In return, this can significantly increase the risk of contracting HIV from sex partners who are already infected by HIV. Infection Rates In 2002, an estimated 28% of reported AIDS cases among adolescents and adults were considered related to injection drug abuse. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of the HIV data, a total of 209,920 or 25% of the accumulative total of 859,000 reported AIDS cases were associated to injection drug abuse. From the year 1998 to 2002, there was a likely 240,268 AIDS cases that were directly related to the injection drug use. The males account around 72% of the total cases. Over the same time, there is a gradual decline in the numbers of AIDS diagnoses that are related to injection drug use for both females and males.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Disease Among Injected Drug Abusers

Evidence actually suggests that treatment for drug abuse can actually help avoid the spread of sexually transmitted disease, especially when this is combined with community based programs and prevention programs for people who are at risk. Such efforts can reduce, or perhaps eliminate, drug abuse as well as the drug related risk behaviors, minimizing the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. If someone believes or knows someone who may be putting themselves at risk of serious health problems, he or she should seek help by calling a drug help line.