Safer using

Avoiding HIV, hep C, abscesses, dirty hits and overdoses are some of the things that users talk and share information about. Getting hold of reliable information is difficult for a number of reasons. For example, the illegality of drugs and their use has meant that there is not much research into safer using practices.

As a user group we’ve tried to utilize all the expertise out there, starting with drug users and other user groups, as well as researchers and clinicians. We’ve found that many of the safer using guidelines assume an ideal situation and are so complex that following them when you’re on the run would be next to impossible. So as well as giving you information, we’ve outlined some simple principles and tips which you can apply to whatever using situation you find yourself in.