Injecting is extremely risky; whether you’re injecting Steroids, Heroin or Snowballing. We always recommend you do not inject as it brings all sorts of risks with it.
If you are going to inject, despite knowing the risks, please read some of our safety tips below to help you stay as safe as possible. You can also visit one of our needle exchanges in Stoke-on-Trent.
You can find lots more advice to keep you safe, including leaflets and videos on the Harm Reduction Works website.
1 Carry Naloxone
Naloxone wipes heroin and other opiates off your receptors. This means that any heroin in your body will stop being effective for enough time to get emergency services involved, by bringing you out of an overdose. To get a naloxone pack call us now on 01782 283 113. If you have got a pack make sure it isn’t over three years old. If it is over three years old you will need to renew your pack, call us on 01782 283 113.
2 Nevershare
Our needle exchange is always stocked with ‘Nevershare’ barrels which come in different colours to ensure you don’t get confused which one is yours.
3 Always use fresh equipment
Sharing equipment puts you at enormous risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis or HIV. Our needle exchange is always stocked.
4 Never inject into high-risk areas
Your groin, your breasts, your penis and your neck are very high-risk areas and we always recommend against injecting into those areas.
5 If it’s pink stop and think
Make sure you inject into veins; a handy guide is that when injecting if a pink substance comes out; stop immediately. If it’s red it will be a vein and you can continue.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with the impact of drugs or alcohol then we’re here to help you. Email referrals@sotcdas.org.uk. Or call 01782 283113.
