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This study investigates the relationship between antiretroviral treatment and drug abuse. For this prospective study, investigators followed a sample of 100 HIV+ patients on a methadone maintenance program in Madrid (Spain), over a period of time of one year. A high percentage of participants (more than 50% according to the indicators) were seen to be compliers, another percentage continued without taking the drug, and from 12% to 18% of the participants discontinued or started the treatment. All of these groups were statistically associated with different drug abuse patterns, measured both through self-reports and urinalyses. The first group usually remained abstinent, the second used opiates, cocaine, benzodiazepines and alcohol, those who discontinued the treatment had relapsed and consumed opiates, cocaine and had increased their frequency of alcohol consumption, and those starting the treatment had given up the use of opiates and cocaine and reduced alcohol intake. The use of alcohol, opiates and cocaine were the variables best discriminating amongst the groups.
