Using new injection, smoking, & snorting supplies

Using our own new supplies can prevent HIV and Hep C from being passed. Here are a few tips for each.

Injection supplies: 

Whether we’re injecting drugs, hormones, or silicone, using our own new injection supplies can prevent HIV and Hep C from being passed. Hormones and silicone are not commonly injected into a vein like drugs are, so this is a less common way for HIV to be passed. Hep C may be passed by hormone or silicone injections. Even small amounts of blood that we cannot see on a needle can introduce a high chance for Hep C to be passed.

Pipes & mouthpieces:

Sharing a pipe to smoke drugs can cause our lips to crack or burn, providing direct access to our bloodstream.
• Chapstick or vaseline can keep our lips from cracking and burning.
• Chewing gum before and after smoking can help keep our mouths moist.

Straws & bills:

Snorting drugs can irritate the nose, create fissures, and provide direct access to our bloodstream.
• Cutting a straw into multiple smaller straws allows each person to have their own straw.
• Sniffing water before and after snorting will help take care of our nose.