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Harm reduction

Photo: People on park bench

It is important to us to reduce the risks that can be associated with drug or alcohol use. Here you will find useful information on minimising and reducing the risks.

To avoid increased health risks associated with taking drugs, it is safer not to inject or to use alternative methods of taking drugs. However, some people are not in this position so the following advice is important:

  • Snorting: use your own straws – don’t use notes or keys
  • Smoking: use your own pipes – don’t share cigarettes, roll-ups, vapes or foil
  • Injecting: use your own needles and spoons

Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) are mainly found in blood or bodily fluids. The main BBVs of concern are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This is because of the damage they can do to the liver and the body’s ability to fight off infections. Rates of infection with blood-borne viruses are high among people with drug use disorders, specifically those who inject drugs which is why we can help you get tested and where applicable, immunised.

Useful links

Harm Reduction Advice
Website: www.edp.org.uk/recovery-tools/

Friday/Monday
Information on sex and drugs and reducing harms for gay and bisexual men.
Website: www.fridaymonday.org.uk

Release
Website: www.release.org.uk/basic-harm-reduction

Drugwise
Website: www.drugwise.org.uk/harm-reduction-drugs/