Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Human papillomavirus (HPV) Education in Addiction Treatment Programs - Outpatient Program

Your participation in the Outpatient Treatment program at The Right Step will familiarize you with the affects of Human papillomavirus on men and women of all backgrounds and economic levels.

The education included in this outpatient addiction program will include learning that Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Experts estimate that as many as 24 million Americans are infected with HPV and the frequency of infection and disease appears to be increasing.

At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection.

Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. You will learn that more than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. Low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts, which are the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. Other high-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.

Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment: Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Continuing in your drug or alcohol addiction treatment you will also learn that one study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported almost half of women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. Because the viral infection persists, individuals may not be aware of their infection or the potential risk of transmission to others and of developing complications.

Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms. There is no "cure" for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own.

In June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four HPV types, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.