Harm reduction

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:

• We strongly advise all injectors to seek professional advice throughout the time you are injecting
• In-depth safer injecting and harm reduction information and advice is available on the With You – Safer injecting website
• Wash your hands before preparing works
• Always use a new, sterile needle and equipment
• Never share any equipment or works
• Find a hygienic area to prepare
• Cleanse the part of your body where you are going to inject
• Find your nearest needle and syringe service on the With You website
• Find out about clinical collections by Torbay Council

• 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.

Prevent overdose deaths, get Naloxone.

Naloxone is a medication that quickly reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids. Opioids are drugs such as codeine, morphine, heroin, methadone or fentanyl. This also includes the synthetic group of drugs known as nitazenes.

Naloxone is free and easy to use.

There are two types of naloxone available in Torbay:

• Nyxoid is sprayed up the nose.
• Prenoxad is given by injection into a big muscle such as the thigh.

Naloxone is available to family, friends and anyone at risk or those who may witness an overdose.

Naloxone saves lives. See further down this section to find out where your nearest naloxone supplier is located.

The effects of naloxone don’t last long, so it’s important to seek medical attention following overdose (call 999 or visit your emergency department) even if naloxone appears to have worked. There is a high risk individuals may overdose again once the naloxone has worn off.

Key points to remember:

• Carry naloxone which can reverse the effects of an overdose and save your and someone else’s life. It can require multiple doses to respond to synthetic opioids.
• Make sure those who spend time with you know how to use naloxone.
• Do not use alone, use with a friend or someone you trust.
• Start low, go slow. Harmful contaminants can vary within a bag or between tablets and a positive experience the first time does not guarantee this will be your experience the next time.
• Consider what substances you are buying. If you are buying online, some reviews may be fake.

What does an overdose look like?

• Unresponsive
• Shallow breathing or not breathing
• Loud raspy, snoring or gurgling
• Blue lips

What do I do if someone overdoses?

• Call an ambulance immediately, and give them naloxone.
• Even after administering naloxone, the person may slip back into unconsciousness and require further help so stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
• Continue to administer naloxone every 2 to 3 minutes until they become responsive, or paramedics arrive.

Torbay Community Pharmacy Needle and Syringe Provision (NSP) Services – June 2024

The Torbay pharmacies listed below can supply clean injecting equipment and/or naloxone to anyone over 18 years old who is:

• Currently injecting illicit substances, such as heroin, non-prescribed steroids or image and performance-enhancing drugs
• Receiving opioid substitution therapy e.g. methadone / buprenorphine
• Leaving prison with a history of drug use
• Previously misused opiate drugs (to protect in the event of a relapse)
• Living with or is closely associated with individuals where any of the above apply, including family members, carers, peers or friends

All these pharmacies are in the process of transferring over to offering single use injection kits. Some of them may still be using up their previous stock which means they may be currently offering larger packs.

The pharmacies listed above that are offering naloxone are able to order injectable and nasal naloxone. We have listed the type of naloxone pharmacies usually supply, however should there be any issues with obtaining stock, this may change. Naloxone however, should be available in some form at all the pharmacies with a ‘yes’ in the naloxone column.