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Safer Injection

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  1. Supervised Injection Sites
    Needle exchange vs needle distribution?
  2. What are supervised injection sites?
  3. Will I get in trouble?
  4. What services are available?
  5. How does it work?
  6. Do I have to go to treatment if I use a SIS?
  7. Is all my information confidential?
  8. What is in it for me?
  9. Where can I access SISs?
  10. Drug Checking
    Why should I check my drugs?
  11. What is Fentanyl?
  12. Where can I check my drugs?
  13. What if I can't always get my drugs checked?
  14. Safer Injection
    What if I don't want to use an SIS?
  15. What if I only share needles with people I trust?
  16. How can I use safer with a group?
  17. What are the risks?
  18. How can I avoid getting an infection?
  19. How does withdrawal effect my ability to inject?
  20. What if I mix drugs?
  21. Things to keep in mind
  22. How do I inject in a safer way?
    How do you prepare before injecting?
  23. What if I’m crushing and adding water to my drugs?
  24. What are the different ways to inject?
  25. Where should I inject?
  26. How do I take care of my veins?
  27. Putting it all together
  28. Self Harm / Suicide
  29. FAQ
    Frequently Asked Questions

Activities

Safer Injection Where should I inject?
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Lesson 25 of 29
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Where should I inject?

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NECK – This is a high risk area

  • There is a big vein and a big artery here

Risks:

  • Hit the big artery and you could have severe bleeding
  • Swelling blocking your airway
  • Clots in your big vein very near your heart, which could stop your breathing
  • Nerve damage and potential for an abscess in the neck

ARM

  • the lower you start, the longer the veins will last

Risks

  • Abscesses & infections
  • Missed hits 

HAND

  • avoid use of fingers and palm of hand
  • Remember to take your rings off
  • Hands have thin veins, be gentle
  • Do not use wrist – big artery, veins, and nerves here

Risks

  • If you leave a ring on, the swelling can stop. the flow of blood and you could lose a finger

TIP: If you have to try a few times to find a vein, always use a clean needle for each attempt.