Abstract
Along with the benefits of a national research agenda on drug abuse and related HIV risk are ethical challenges associated with the multiple vulnerabilities of persons within these populations. Poverty, lack of education, related health conditions, illegal behaviors to obtain illicit drugs, gender, ethnic minority status, and psychological characteristics such as cravings and impulsivity require special research safeguards. However, federal provisions for the protection of vulnerable populations do not include special protections for individuals addicted to drugs. The challenges and value of participant perspectives on research risks and benefits, informed consent, confidentiality, and compensation for research on drug abuse and related HIV risk are discussed in this article.