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Aftercare and Case Management
Back to the document's frontpageLong term sobriety and harm reduction best occurs when recovering HIV and AIDS patients continue with comprehensive aftercare under the supervision of a case management worker.
Through disease progression, there may certain incidents (the first emergence of symptoms or the development of AIDS) that increase the likelihood of relapse and further abuse, and case management workers should be present to intervene when necessary.
The best aftercare regimen continues peer group and individual therapy with case management that may include social assistance (housing and employment) when appropriate.
HIV and AIDS patients suffering concurrent substance abuse issues need immediate intervention and treatment. Substance abuse exacerbates the health declines of the disease and lowers treatment compliance. Continuing abuse increases the transmission of HIV AIDS through risky sexual and drug taking behaviors, and continuing substance abuse exacerbates the commonly experienced psychological challenges facing these patients.
HIV and AIDS patients recovery from substance abuse presents complex challenges to addictions professionals, but because the harm of substance abuse is magnified within this group of addicts, intervention needs to occur, and treatment needs to take place with an understanding of the unique issues and challenges of HIV and AIDS substance abusers.
