Rational motivation of drug injection and prostitution

Homeless drug users and prostitutes constitute a population at risk for contracting and propagating AIDS. This study aims at understanding the paradox related to drug injection and prostitution among 21 homeless from Montreal. These behaviors are studied following the picoeconomic paradox of an apprehended desire. The results show that these homeless see drug injection as a self-reward motivated by imaginary emotional object, in spite of the known and dreaded consequences. Prostitution is described as a self-investment accessory to drug injection. This study concludes with reflections on AIDS prevention programs in relation with the needs of the homeless.