Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUD)

Note to visitors: Resources included in this web site contain terminology used at the time of publication and may not reflect current terms.

Injection drug use is a well-known route of transmission of blood borne infections, particularly HIV and hepatitis B and C. Use of illicit drugs is associated with increased rates of TB and STDs. This web site provides materials and resources to assist researchers, policymakers, and clinical and program providers who work with persons who use drugs, their sex partners and families. This site does not address issues related to the use of cannabinoids or licit drugs, such as alcohol, or tobacco.

New MMWR Article Available

"Integrated Prevention Services for HIV Infection, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis for Persons Who Use Drugs Illicitly: Summary Guidance from CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services” is now available. This report summarizes the latest guidelines and recommendations published by multiple agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the prevention and control of HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and TB, as well as for substance use and mental disorders for persons who use drugs illicitly.

Suggested Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Integrated Prevention Services for HIV Infection, Viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis for Persons Who Use Drugs Illicitly: Summary Guidance from CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. MMWR 2012;61(No. RR-5):[pg. 1-46].

Data and Statistics

Estimated New HIV Infections in 2010, by Transmission Category, 8% IDU, 3% MSM-IDU, 63% MSM, 25% Heterosexual

Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID), also referred to as Injection Drug Users (IDU), accounted for 8% of the estimated new HIV infections in 2010. Go to the CDC Fact Sheet for more information.

Guidance and Interventions

Photo of professional counseling someone Strategies for Disease Prevention
Includes Behavioral Interventions, Outreach, Safe Syringe Practices, Testing and Vaccines, Drug Poisoning and Overdose Prevention, and Integrated Guidelines

Photo of two women sitting and talking Substance Abuse Treatment
Focuses on substance abuse treatment and disease prevention

Photo of healthcare professional treating a patient Disease Treatment for Persons at Risk
Includes medical interventions to prevent and treat infectious disease