Safe Injection Practices Guide

Introduction

This guide provides critical information and best practices for individuals who inject drugs. The goal is to minimize health risks such as infections and overdoses while promoting safer injection practices.

Before You Inject

• Prepare a Clean Area: Always use a clean, sanitized surface to lay out your injection supplies.
• Wash Your Hands: Before handling any injection equipment, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

Safe Injection Equipment

• Sterile Needles and Syringes: Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Never share your injection equipment with others.
• Sterile Water: Use sterile water for injection. If unavailable, boil tap water for at least five minutes and let it cool before use.
• Alcohol Swabs: Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab before injecting to prevent infections.
• Proper Disposal: Safely dispose of needles, syringes, and other injection equipment in a sharps container or other hard-plastic, puncture-resistant container.

During Injection

• Vein Care: Rotate your injection sites to prevent damage to veins and surrounding tissue.
• Avoid Reusing: Do not reuse or share needles or syringes. Reusing needles can dull the needle tip, increasing pain and damage to veins.
• Injecting Technique: Inject slowly and carefully. If you miss the vein, pull out and apply pressure to the site, then try again with a new needle.

Post-Injection Care

• Manage Bleeding: After injecting, apply pressure to the site with a clean tissue or cloth until bleeding stops.
• Bandage if Necessary: Use a sterile bandage if there are signs of bleeding or open wounds.
• Hygiene and Healing: Keep the injection site clean and monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain.

Recognizing and Responding to Overdose

• Overdose Signs: Look for signs of overdose such as shallow breathing, limp body, pale or clammy skin, and inability to wake up or respond.
• Naloxone: Always have naloxone on hand. Know how to use it and make sure those around you do as well.
• Seek Immediate Help: Call emergency services if you suspect an overdose. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Health Maintenance

• Regular Check-Ups: Regularly visit a healthcare provider to check for infections and receive vaccinations against Hepatitis A, B, and Tetanus.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support overall health.

Legal and Safe Disposal

• Understand the Law: Be aware of local laws regarding drug use and possession, as well as needle disposal regulations.
• Safe Disposal Sites: Use designated needle disposal sites or services to dispose of used needles safely.

Practicing safe injection is crucial for your health and the safety of others. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent infections, transmission of diseases, and other complications associated with injection drug use.