Methods of Drug Use: Injecting and Sharing (From AIDS: Social Representations, Social Practices, P 173-185, 1989, Peter Aggleton, Graham Hart, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-130840)

• NCJ Number: 130850
• Author(s): R Power
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Taylor & Francis Inc.
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Paper presented at the Second United Kingdom Conference on Social Aspects of AIDS, 1987, London

Annotation

A project was initiated in London to examine injecting and needle and syringe sharing patterns among drug users, to investigate their responses to the issue of HIV infection and AIDS, and to identify risk reduction strategies.

Abstract

It was found that regional and cultural variations in both injecting and sharing habits must be taken into account when devising preventive or risk reduction strategies. Different approaches are needed in an area or among groups where smoking or snorting illicit drugs is the common practice as opposed to another context where injecting and sharing are firmly established. Reliable knowledge must be obtained about the behaviors and patterns among specific drug user groups so that appropriate responses are employed. This is especially the case among minority ethnic groups in England where little is known about drug use and injecting patterns. It should be recognized that some people will continue to abuse illicit drugs and inject and share equipment. Research involving 114 drug users in treatment suggests that the main factor influencing sharing is the availability of needles and syringes. Therefore, clean needles and syringes must be made freely available. Further, appropriate information on safe sex practices and the cleaning of injecting equipment must be provided. 18 references