HIV and Addictions: From Separated Treatments to Ideal Single Provider.

Although the relationship between HIV/AIDS risk and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is well documented, individuals living with both HIV/ AIDS and AOD addictions present health and social service providers and funders with unique challenges. Historically, clients diagnosed with HIV and AOD addictions have been treated at either a medical facility that had few addiction professionals or an addiction treatment facility that had few medical professionals sensitive to the needs of the HIV-positive individual. This paper examines the histories of HIV/AIDS and AOD treatment as separate services, followed by recent approaches to blend treatments. Finally, considerations regarding funding policies for agencies interested in rendering services to people living with both HIV and AOD diagnoses will be discussed, in the context of professional social work ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]