A comprehensive pharmacologic-psychosocial treatment program for HIV-seropositive cocaine- and opioid-dependent patients. Preliminary findings

J Subst Abuse Treat. 1998 May-Jun;15(3):261-5. doi: 10.1016/s0740-5472(97)00226-2.

Abstract

HIV-seropositive opioid-dependent patients maintained on an opiate-agonist who continue to use cocaine and to engage in other high-risk behaviors may benefit from enhanced treatment services; however, there is currently little data to guide the formulation of such services. We report on a preliminary study in which six HIV-seropositive opioid-and cocaine-dependent patients were provided a 12-week comprehensive pharmacologic/psychosocial treatment program developed specifically to meet the treatment needs of HIV-seropositive drug users. This program was comprised of buprenorphine (12 mg/day), bupropion (150 mg/day), and twice weekly manual-guided group therapy. Results showed significant decreases in intravenous cocaine use, cocaine craving, and symptoms of depression. A post-hoc comparison to outcomes of eight HIV-seropositive patients receiving standard methadone-maintenance found no improvements for patients receiving standard care. Controlled investigation of enhanced drug treatment programs for HIV-seropositive patients may be warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use
  • Bupropion / therapeutic use
  • Cocaine*
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications
  • HIV Seropositivity / drug therapy
  • HIV Seropositivity / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Narcotics / therapeutic use
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Social Support
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / drug therapy
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Narcotics
  • Bupropion
  • Buprenorphine
  • Cocaine
  • Methadone