Safer Injecting

DISCLAIMER

AIDS Saskatoon is a harm reduction organization. The following information is not meant to condone or encourage drug use, but is intended to inform others on how to use safely so as to prevent the further spread of HIV and Hepatitis C.

How can I inject safely?

Following guidelines for safer injecting can prevent the transmission of Hepatitis C and HIV. Using proper technique helps prevent abscesses, bruising, over-dosing, and/or damaging of the veins. Even if a person already has Hepatitis C and/or HIV it is still important to practice safer drug use for the benefit of themselves and others.

Reducing the Risk

  • Don’t share any drug injecting equipment: this includes needles, spoons, cookers, filters, swaps, water, crack pipes, straws for snorting, etc.
  • Use a new needle for each injection: a needle can develop tiny barbs even after just one use. A barb on a needle can cause damage to the veins, leading in infection and abscess.
  • Use a new alcohol swab each time; keep the area where you’re injecting clean.
  • Wash your hands before and after you inject.
  • Always use clean water.
  • After the injection apply pressure to the vein to stop bleeding.
  • Put used equipment away safely in a sharps container, and return it to your local needle exchange program.

Vein Care Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do rotate injection sites. Each time you shoot up move at least one inch away from your last hit.
  • Don’t use the same vein each time because it is far more likely to collapse.
  • Don’t inject anywhere around the groin, wrists, neck or head areas because there are major arteries in these areas that can lead to serious complications.
  • Do get information from your local public health workers and staff at needle exchange sites.

Finding a Vein

  • Use a tourniquet (something to tie off); you can use a new un-lubricated condom, a clean bandana, belt, or necktie. Make sure to take it off before you inject.
  • Do drink lots of water. If you are dehydrated your veins can shrink which makes them harder to find.
  • Take a hot shower, or put a hot washcloth over the area where you want to inject for 5-10 minutes before you use.
  • Swing your arm around like a propeller to get the blood flowing.

For more detailed descriptions on vein care visit saferinjecting.info or see this awesome user-written manual from Streetworks (PDF). More information from Streetworks on Abcesses (PDF).

Danger Signs

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Fever, chills, sweats, dizziness, ears ringing, seeing spots
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Red lines on skin near the injection site
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Repeated persistent headaches

For more detailed descriptions on safer injecting go to:
http://www.saferinjecting.info/
http://www.saferinjecting.net/safer-injecting-drugs.html

To watch a video on safer injecting follow this link:
http://www.hepcinfo.ca/videoplayer_sp_e/safer_injection_e.FLV

Safer Crack Use

When it comes to risk reduction, smoking drugs is still considered less risky than injecting drugs. However even with smoking drugs, it is still important that you don’t share your equipment. This means do not share pipes, stems, mouthpieces, or screens.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a microscopic virus that can live for several days outside the body. If you have cracks, burns or cuts on your lips or mouth, they can serve as an entry or exit point for HCV. Remember: HCV is transmitted from blood to blood contact. If you share any drug equipment you are putting yourself at risk for the transmission of HCV.

To watch a video on safer crack smoking go to:
http://www.hepcinfo.ca/videoplayer_e/safer_smoking_e.flv

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