AIDS virus exposure behavior in long-term addicts: a preliminary study.

Data is presented on the prevalence of clinical AIDS and antibodies to the AIDS virus in intravenous drug users. In addition, data from subjects followed over twenty years in a California study on the natural history of narcotics addiction is reported. Information about AIDS attitudes and high risk behavior is related to sample characteristics and narcotics use patterns. The possibility for heterosexual transmission is assessed by report of marital or common-law status and by the extent of drug use by long-term sexual partners.