Safe injecting

HIV, hepatitis C and other infections can be passed on through sharing injecting equipment.

• Needles and syringes (fits):  A new fit should be used for every injection. These can be obtained from needle exchanges.
  
  
• Filters:  Filters should be disposed of and not re-used.
  
  
• Spoons:  Spoons can be disinfected using a clean swab. Swabs are available from needle exchanges or chemists.
  
  
• Mixing water:  Sterile water, available from chemists and some needle exchanges, should be used to mix drugs. Recently boiled water, non-carbonated mineral water or the sterile saline solution used for contact lenses can also be used. If the mixing water is used for multiple mixes, make sure that only sterile syringes draw the water from the water container or glass. Never draw water using a used syringe.
  
  
• Tourniquets:  Tourniquets that have been used by someone else can have tiny, microscopic drops of blood left on them and therefore it is best to use a new, clean one for every hit. Disposable tourniquets are available from needle and syringe exchange programs and chemists.

The Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL):  www.aivl.org.au    Email: info@aivl.org.au

The North American Harm Reduction Coalition: 
 www.harmreduction.org

Australian Drug Information Network (ADIN):  
ADIN provides links to other drug and alcohol related sites on the web  www.adin.com.au

Other drugs

Using recreational drugs can lower your inhibitions and make it more likely you will take risks with sex that you otherwise would not.

See also: HIV drug interactions with recreational drugs