If you inject drugs, don't share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment like spoons or swabs, as this exposes you to HIV and other viruses found in the blood like hepatitis C.
In many countries, used needles can be exchanged for clean ones at pharmacies and needle exchanges. If you take heroin, consider joining a methadone or buprenorphine programme. These substances are swallowed as a liquid, reducing your risk of HIV as well as helping you to manage your drug addiction.4 A doctor or healthcare worker can advise you about the availability of needle exchanges and methadone/buprenorphine programmes.
Another option may be to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This is when you take HIV treatment before possible exposure to HIV (such as injecting drugs) to prevent infection. It’s now recommended for people who inject drugs, although it‘s only available in a few countries.5
There are other things you can do to reduce your risk of HIV from injecting drugs:
- use sterile water to prepare drugs (e.g. boiled water)
- use a new or disinfected container (“cooker”) and a new filter (“cotton”) each time you prepare drugs
- before you inject, clean the area of your body with a new alcohol swab
- safely dispose of needles and syringes after one use so you don’t use them again.
If you are having a tattoo or piercing, make sure that a clean, sterilised needle is used.6
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