Safer Injecting "Slamming"

It is always safest not to take unknown or illicit drugs at all.  However, if you do decide to use chems, be informed on the risks involved and how to be as safe as possible.

Risks of injecting:

• Slamming, or injecting drugs, is the most dangerous way of taking them.  The risk of overdose is increased, and deaths are more common.
• Many drugs can also damage veins and arteries, causing blood clots, abscesses, or gangrene (that’s when bits of the body start to die). 
• Drugs are often very impure, so it’s not just the drug that goes in to your bloodstream.
• Sharing needles and even sharing injecting equipment such as syringes, filters and spoons can increase your risk of acquiring HIV and Hepatitis C.

Tips for safer injecting:

• If you choose to inject, make sure you get clean needles and equipment and learn how to use these correctly. All UK drug services are happy to provide advice as well as clean equipment. Pharmacies participating in the needle exchange programme can be identified by this symbol. 

• Always inject yourself. Do not allow others to inject you.
• Always inject above the waist.
• Use clean equipment and needles for each attempt.
• Do not inject into a site where the skin is broken or inflamed (red and sore)
• Dispose of any sharps safely. Needle exchanges can provide you with small sharps bins.
• Get regular tests for STIs including blood borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B and C)

Drug services:   

All are happy to give advice on safer injecting, and safer injecting packs. Find local drug services.