HIV and chemically dependent women: recommendations for appropriate health care and drug treatment services.

Intravenous drug use is the single largest exposure category among women with AIDS in the United States (51%). Tragically, there may be insufficient appreciation of the issues unique to IV drug usage among women. Few drug treatment programs are specifically designed for women, and fewer still are aimed at HIV positive women. Treatment models relevant to women in light of the AIDS epidemic should: include changes in admission criteria and treatment methods; provide comprehensive services (including parenting and employment skills workshops and access to health care); and incorporate research and evaluation components with planned dissemination of results.