Wellness, Intervention Strategies and HIV Care

Wellness, Intervention Strategies and HIV Care

This is a pilot trial designed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention aimed at improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral suppression, and engagement in HIV care. The intervention will address behavioral coping strategies, HIV care engagement behaviors, and substance use management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Self-report biological characteristics consistent with the population under study

• Be HIV-positive

• Report use of at least one of the following substances in the last 90 days:

  • Cannabis
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cocaine/crack
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Non-prescribed opioids (e.g., fentanyl, morphine)
  • Ecstasy
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Psychedelics (e.g., Lysergic acid diethylamide, mescaline, ketamine)
  • Poppers (alkyl nitrites)
  • Non-prescribed benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Librium)
  • Barbiturates

• Be English-speaking

• Be able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of severe cognitive impairment or active psychosis that may impede ability to provide fully informed consent, determined by the research assistants and clinical supervisor(s)
• The research staff are trained on guidelines for identifying participants who exhibit signs of inability to meaningfully participate or provide consent due to mental illness or impairment