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Drug and Alcohol Information

How can I keep myself safe?

Questions:


Answers:

What you should do to keep yourself safe when using drugs

To try and keep yourself safe, you should:
If you plan to inject
  • Always use clean needles / spoons
  • Make use of your local needle exchange
  • Rotate injecting sites everytime you inject
  • Wash your injecting site (and hands) thoroughly, before and after you inject
  • Remove as much air as you can from the syringe before injecting
  • Be aware of your tolerance levels, and the levels of those around you - especially if you've not injected recently or have just detoxed
If you plan to use other substances
  • Don't mix alcohol with drugs
  • Be aware of your tolerance levels, and the levels of those around you - especially if you've not taken a pill recently or have just detoxed
  • Get yourself checked for your hepatitis B/C status (the sooner you are treated if you have it, the better you'll recover)
What you shouldn't do when using drugs
  • You should never use drugs on your own - if you have a reaction or overdose, you will be alone
  • Don't ever share needles / syringes / spoons - you could catch a bloodbourne virus
  • If you've just detoxed or not recently used, don't use your standard amount - your body won't be able to cope and you may overdose
  • You should never mix drugs with alcohol
  • Don't drive under the influence of drugs (or alcohol)
  • You shouldn't assume that all gear will be the same strength - you may be buying a very strong batch
  • Don't leave your stash around for children to find

























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