title: The argument for HIV-antibody testing in chemical dependence treatment programs.
abstract: Controversy surrounds the issue of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing in chemically dependent patients. However, HIV testing can be clinically and therapeutically useful in chemical dependence treatment programs. Prerequisites for HIV testing include: staff education, high-quality pre- and posttest counseling for patients, assurance of confidentiality of results, and the use of accurate screening and confirmatory tests. Reasons to offer voluntary HIV testing in chemical dependence treatment programs include: appropriate medical evaluation and treatment, prevention of the spread of HIV infection, and support for working through the crisis of a positive diagnosis. Voluntary informed consent should be obtained prior to HIV testing; involuntary testing and mass screening are not justified. Testing decisions should be individualized, with the focus on the patient's participation based on treatment- and health-related decisions.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, The Emory Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Niven
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies