Indicator Description
Drug use and binge drinking have been shown to increase risky behavior among users. Research has shown a strong link between intravenous drug use and AIDS cases in some areas. Research has also found a connection between drug use, excessive drinking, and STD infections from increased risky sexual contact.

What to Measure

AIDS: The annual number of new AIDS cases whose method of exposure is related to intravenous drug use.

• Expressed as the number of cases per 100,000 population.
• Cumulative number of AIDS cases or deaths related to intravenous drug use. The methods of exposure include: intravenous (IV) drug user, heterosexual or homosexual contact with an IV drug user, and some pediatric cases where the mother is in an HIV-risk category associated with injecting drug use or having sex with an injecting drug user.

Targeted programs to reduce or prevent drug-related AIDS cases such as needle exchange and condom distribution programs.

STDs: The annual number of STD infections expressed as the number of cases per 100,000 population.

Where to Find Local Data

AIDS and STD cases:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
• Contact the local or state public health department to obtain the number of cases for your local community or region.
• Planned Parenthood Affiliate State Office.
• StateHealthFacts.org.

Interpretation Guidelines

• Although this indicator measures serious consequences of drug and alcohol use, it should be used with caution as a measure of the actual level of community alcohol and drug use.

• AIDS: Tracking drug-related AIDS cases over time helps portray the community impact of illicit drug behavior. It complements but does not replace other measures of harm.

The number of drug-related AIDS cases is most closely linked to the behaviors of intravenous drug users. It is less closely linked to other illicit drug and alcohol use.

The association between intravenous drug use and HIV infection varies tremendously across communities and over time. In some urban communities a much larger proportion of intravenous drug users may be infected, while in other, typically rural, communities the relationship may be more obscure due to less exposure.

• STDs: STD rates also complement, but do not replace, other measures of harm from drug use and risky drinking.
  Not all STDs are alcohol- or drug-related.

Metropolitan Drug Commission. Knox County Community Statsbook, 2002.