Open AccessAntiretroviral Medication Diversion Among HIV-Positive Substance Abusers in South Florida
Author(s) -
Hilary L. Surratt,
Steven P. Kurtz,
Theodore J. Cicero,
Catherine O’Grady,
Maria A. Levi-Minzi
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2012.301092
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , pill , stigma (botany) , medicine , psychological intervention , psychiatry , substance use , antiretroviral therapy , substance abuse , environmental health , family medicine , viral load , nursing
The high cost of life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for HIV represents an expense that impedes accessibility and affordability by patients. This price structure also appears to motivate the diversion of ARVs and the targeting of HIV-positive patients by pill brokers in the illicit market. Our field research with indigent, HIV-positive substance abusers links ARV diversion to high levels of competing needs, including psychiatric disorders, HIV stigma, and homelessness. Interventions to reduce diversion must address the needs of highly vulnerable patients.