Hepatitis C: education and counseling issues

Abstract

This paper examines issues and dilemmas faced by counselors and other health care providers in addressing the needs of active or recovering alcohol and drug users who test positive for HCV. The ambiguities and changing treatment prospects for these patients require education and counseling interventions, elements of which are described in the paper. Motivational enhancement issues are particularly important, to facilitate the patient's commitment to maintain a healthy life style while effective treatments are being developed. The high proportion of recovering staff in addiction treatment settings adds a level of complexity, as their concerns may mirror those of the patients being served, but are rarely addressed systematically within the program.