tips on safe i.v. use needed

[annuh]

i've just recently started back using needles (first started @ 15 and have used intravenously on and off since)

but never really having much (well, to be honest, until recently any) guidance from any other i.v. users, i started off very much in the dark (which, i know, was pretty fucking stupid)
(i ended up learning the hard way, very young, about keeping my own needles really clean)


i mean, i had down a few good basics..and i knew there were many risks involved.(but i didn't really know what alot of them were) ... even recently there are things i'm finding out about certain things to be cautious of and what to do in certain situations.....(for example i had never even thought about catching a fiber from the filter in the syringe)

so i'd be nice if i could get some input on a few risks and general shit....and how to take care of fucked up situtations......
(and if it's of any importance, i use mostly oxycontin and morphine....no H)

[Peripat]

Hi annuh, welcome to the forum.

Your question isn't particularly clear - what in particular do you need advice on?

You mentioned that you use oxys... those things aren't really meant to be injected, you know, so I hope you're filtering your mixtures carefully before putting them into your arm. Not doing so, could end up causing you a LOT of problems.

A general link which is worth reading, re-reading and learning well is here: http://www.totse.com/en/drugs/miscellaneous_drug_information/164903.html It's called "Getting Off Right: A Safety Manual for Injecting Drug Users". It's written by people who really know their stuff, and comes highly recommended by those in the know, including this forum's resident nurse.

Shoot safe, stay clean,
Peri.

[candy]

Annuh, Well, I think it is great that you are questioning this type of administration. While I don't condemn or condone injecting, being an injector myself at one time, I do however encourage safe techniques and harm reduction.Peripat suggested getting the manual, "Getting off Right," In it you will find some really useful info that is straightforward and easy to understand. I do have one question for you, "Where are you getting your needles?" The reason I ask and I don't mean to pry, but I do have concerns for those who inject regarding this, due to the transmission of Hepatitis C and HIV. I am a nurse and work in Harm Reduction, which deals with reducing the harm of injectors, through education, needle exchange programs, and testing. If your sharing needles or getting them second hand, I would advise this practice to cease. Hepatitis C is not killed by bleach as HIV is. For those who may be bleaching needles, this will not kill off the Hep C virus. Hep C can live in a smaller amount of blood than that of HIV. Even though you may not see any blood in the syringe, the virus can still be present.Another thing to remember is that all your equipment can become infected, including cookers, cottons, rinse water, etc. Best to use your own equipment and not share it with anyone. I don't recommend injecting pills. Although you may be able to crush them into a fine powder, they do not completely dissolve and can lead to embolisms, clots in the blood that can travel to the lungs and cause death. You can try adding citric acid, available in most health food stores or pharmacies. This does help to break the pill down into a solution better for injecting. Try alternating sites, not using the same site over and over. This leads to scarring and collapsed veins. I also do not recommend using the feet or legs. It can lead to blood clots. The circulation is much slower in the lower extremities and when you tie off to look for a site, the blood pools in that leg and leads to the blood coagulating, because it is not flowing. It can also lead to phlebitis, which is an inflammation in the veins that caused them to become hard, painful, red and swollen. Before you do inject, wipe the area down with alcohol. You can purchase alcohol wipes at any Rite-Aid or any type of pharmacy. Or just buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol and use a cotton. This cleans the site and will also help veins rise to the surface, from the friction of rubbing. I am more than happy to answer any other questions you have. You can send me an email or ask on the forum. Be careful and safe, Candy

[chucky]

I would think it inperitive that you find somebody that has experience mainlining, and not some dumbshit that tells you he does. If you don't know any I.V. users, then as peripat has brought to light read "Getting it right" it will give you some feedback also Heroin users handbook is a good source of info, there is a link in the heroin section of the forum.Keep it clean, keep it safe, and whatever else you do never, ever share needles!! :cool:

[annuh]

Thanks for the info guys....
i'm definately NOT sharing needles.....every one i get is fresh & sealed.....
if i do happen to share needles it is with my partner (and he shares with noone else)

i suddenly wanted to get more info.. because recently i had read something about other equiptment being at risk of infection, i TRY to use a bit of common sense, but that was something i hadn't thought about (and it slightly freaked me out cos i have shared spoons, filters, & water many, many, times)

anyway.. thanks again you guys...

[candy]

Annuh,
Definately do not share any equipment. Most IV drug users have at one time shared equipment with someone else who is injecting and even using the same spoon or cooker can transmit diseases, especially Hep C which can live on any surface for up to 45 days. Although you can not contract the disease through casual contact, it can be spread through IV use.
Even sharing with your partner, can put you at risk. Best for you both to be tested for HIV/Hep C, if you plan on sharing equipment. Best to know and best to get into the habit of using your own needles and equipment.

Be well. If you have any other questions, you can send me a private message or post on the board. I have been working with IV drug users for years and I am myself was an IV drug user.

Be well.