Rosado R, Bayron G, Torres AL; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. C12495.

Nuevo Horizonte Detox Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Issues: In Puerto Rico the most frequently HIV infection factor is through intravenous drug use. Official statistical data states, that almost 50% of the cases reported have acquired the virus through this method. The situation is worsened by the fact that intravenous drug users increase in number everyday, which also increases the risk factor for HIV infection. The present paper shows the experiences of a newly developed, non-traditional detoxification program in the San Juan Metropolitan area, aimed at people living with HIV or in high risk of contracting it. Description: Given the increase in all type of drug users, which increases the risk of people contracting HIV, we implemented a fast and effective detoxification program. This program lasts 10 days, during which, the clientele is approached with a biopsychosocial therapeutic pattern. Detoxification services are accompanied by primary medical care, addiction counseling, passive recreational therapy, alternative therapy (e.g. Reiki, Yoga, Acupuncture, etc.) and followed by long term therapy at a "post-detox" facility. In a period of eight months we have served 403 drug users. More than 60% have completed the program and have been placed in "post-detox" programs. Lessons learned: We have put to the test a detoxification of only 10 days, contrary to the typical 28 day rehabilitation programs. This fact has permitted us to serve three times more people than what the more traditional 28 day programs can, maintaining quality of services for the patients' benefit. This fact is confirmed by an evaluation of services that each participant fills out at the time of successful program completion. Recommendations: With the same purpose of increasing the number of people served in a good quality program, we recommend that such 10 day detoxification program be extended to other parts of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Behavior, Addictive
• Caribbean Region
• Counseling
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Metabolic Detoxication, Drug
• Puerto Rico
• Risk Factors
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous
• Substance-Related Disorders
• Virus Diseases
• pharmacokinetics
• prevention & control
• rehabilitation
• therapy

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0033385

UI: 102277601

From Meeting Abstracts