Harm Reduction: Protecting yourself from HIV/AIDS

cleaning needles | using condoms | crack cocaine | heroin

Cleaning Needles & Works:

Injection of any sort is an even more efficient way of spreading HIV than sexual intercourse.

Since injecting drug users are often linked in tight networks and commonly share injecting equipment with other people without cleaning it, HIV can spread very rapidly in these populations.

Tips for protecting yourself:

use a new rig when you shoot up

don't share, lend or borrow works

don't touch other people's works or let them touch yours

Using Condoms:

Condoms are the only form of protection which can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.

Teens & Condoms: CHOOSE 'EM & USE 'EM!

Many different types of condom are now available. What is generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man's penis, and which is closed at one end.    USING MALE CONDOM

There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina.    USING FEMALE CONDOM

Crack Cocaine:

Crack cocaine was derived from cocaine in the mid-1980s and was immediately popular because of its availability and low cost.

The word "crack" in crack cocaine refers to the crackling sound this drug makes when it is heated. Crack cocaine creates a sense of pleasure in the brain and body that does not occur naturally. The "high" felt when using crack cocaine only lasts for a few minutes and is followed by a hard "crash" or depressed feeling until the drug is used again.    WISE CRACK

Heroin: "Chasing the Dragon":

Heroin is so addictive because it activates many regions of the brain particularly the regions that are responsible for producing both the pleasurable sensation of "reward" and physical dependence.

Use of heroin causes physical and psychological problems and a need for increasingly higher doses of the drug to get the same effect. There is an increased risk of HIV/AIDS from using and sharing needles and "gear" or "works".    CHASING THE DRAGON

The Heart of Richmond AIDS Society. #200 - 6411 Buswell St, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2G5
Tel: 604-277-5137  or  Fax: 604-277-5131  or   E-mail: contact@heartofrichmond.com