ALTERNATIVES TO INJECTING

Injecting is the fastest and most efficient way of getting drugs into the body but it is also the most dangerous. Using other routes of administration can be far less risky.

Even if you use clean fits, rotate your injection sites and maintain good hygiene, your veins will always appreciate a break. Using non injecting methods to administer you drug such as swallowing, snorting, smoking and using shafting is a great way to give you veins a rest.

There are many advantages of using other routes of administration these include:

• Decreased risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as hep C, hep B and HIV (with the exception of snorting)
• No vein damage
• Decreased risk of bacterial infections
• Decreased risk of overdose
• Cost effective
• The effects of the drug can last longer and the come down is less severe

If you do choose to inject, there are some safer injecting strategies that can help you to reduce drug related harm and minimise the risk of getting blood borne viruses such as hep C, hep B and HIV.

It is important to remember that all methods of drug taking have serious risks, such as dependence and overdose. Dependence is related to how often you use a drug no how you use it.

SWALLOWING

All drugs can be swallowed; however some drugs are more suited to swallowing than others. Pills are best swallowed as they are designed to be taken orally. Most pills have chalky fillers that prevent stomach irritation but cause damage to the veins if injected and to nasal membranes if snorted. Speed is often swallowed by wrapping it up in a cigarette paper or dissolving in water. Heroin is rarely swallowed as it loses half it's strength when it is converted to morphine in the stomach.

Swallowing is generally the safest way to take drugs as the body has more opportunity to filter out impurities. Swallowing also has the slowest onset but the effects are generally just as strong and last longer. Come-downs are often less severe.

Swallowing methamphetamine can upset some people's stomachs. Wrapping drugs in cigarette papers or dissolving them in water before swallowing can help prevent this.

SMOKING

Drugs commonly smoked include: methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cannabis and tobacco. Smoking equipment includes: cigarettes, joints, pipes and bongs.

Smoking any drug has associated health risks such as mouth, throat and lung damage, but there is no risk of contracting blood borne viruses and no strain on your veins!

SNORTING

Most powdered drugs can be snorted and are usually snorted through rolled up dollar bills or straws.

Tips to reduce harm include:

• Always use your own snorting equipment as it is still possible to contract a blood borne virus if you share equipment (as the membranes in your nose are very delicate and can rupture and bleed).
• Chop up your drug into the finest powder possible before snorting (the rough crystals can tear the nasal linings), use a small dose at a time and aim it high up inside the nasal cavity.
• Wait at least 10 minutes between each snort (particularly with heroin) to avoid an overdose.
• Make sure you are snorting off a clean surface, not toilet seats!
• Give your nose time to recover after snorting as sinus infections can occur from overuse
• Visit your GP if you start getting nose bleeds or if you have continual crusting in the nose.

SHAFTING

Shafting involves inserting a drug up you bum. This is most commonly done by inserting a pill or powder (in cigarette paper) up your backside with your fingers. Shafting can also be done by drawing up a drug into a sterile syringe (without a needle), inserting it up your bum and pushing the plunger. Drugs are absorbed quickly using this method as the rectum is designed to rapidly absorb fluids. Shafting is a safer alternative to injecting methods of administration, such as smoking or swallowing, as the effects work a lot quicker and have stronger effect.

Tips to reduce harm include:

• Don't share barrels and don't use a needle.
• Treat your bum with care to avoid cuts or tears.
• Inserting the barrel deeper up your bum won't make the drug work more quickly.
• Remember that shafting drugs will work quicker and be stronger than if you swallow or snort.

For more information contact TasCAHRD on (03) 6234 1242, call our information and Support Line 1800 005 900 or send an email to nsp@tascahrd.org.au