SUMMARY

SNIFFER was developed for use with intranasal drug users (called "sniffers"). Sniffers tended to be aware of HIV/AIDS, but were unaware of their drug-related risk of infection. SNIFFER seeks to provide HIV/AIDS risk reduction education, coping mechanisms for dealing with the potential for HIV/AIDS infection, and behavioral skills necessary to keep oneself safe from infection.

The program's primary purpose is to prevent non-injecting sniffers from transitioning to injecting drugs. A secondary purpose is to reduce non-injection use of illicit drugs.

The original implementation of SNIFFER took place from 1986 through 1988 in New York City. The research team attempted to recruit participants through a variety of methods, the most successful being newspaper advertisements.

All subjects were given thorough basic AIDS information, including HIV antibody test counseling. Participants were then randomized into either the experimental or control condition. Follow-up included 80% of the original 104 study participants. Intervention participants were found to be significantly less likely to use injection drugs than their control group counterparts. Research also suggests that person s in this risk group could benefit from ongoing intensive intervention.

SUITABLE FOR USE IN

This program is suitable for use in community-based settings and other organizations or clinics that provide services to drug users and/or their partners.

ORIGINAL INTERVENTION SAMPLE

Age, Gender
16-48 years of age, 70% male

Race/Ethnicity
51% White, 26% African-American, 23% Hispanic

PROGRAM LENGTH

The curriculum is designed for delivery in four sessions, 60-90 minutes in length, presented over a two-week period. Researchers reported that during the original implementation of SNIFFER, the intervention groups requested an additional one or two sessions beyond those scheduled.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS/TRAINING

The program developers strongly recommend that SNIFFER facilitators have background and experience in substance abuse issues, HIV/AIDS, as well as skills leading psychoeducational or therapeutic groups. Personal experience with addiction or compulsive behavior problems is not necessary but may be helpful. The Facilitator's Manual provides detailed instruction to help implement the curriculum.