There are often barriers to the diagnosis and referral for substance abuse treatment in people with HIV infection. The countertransference of treatment providers' fears and perceptions onto their patients is one such barrier. As a result of this, important educational needs of patients can be overlooked or not fully addressed. Essential information needs to be conveyed, regardless of whether or not a patient seeks substance abuse treatment, and early intervention and treatment are essential to minimize risk for HIV infection and transmission to others. Specific issues often addressed for patients with AIDS or ARC by practitioners are the difficulties in pain management, the difficulties of family and loved ones, the need for substance abuse relapse prevention, and the need for coordination of care among agencies. 15 notes.