dangers of illicit drug use

All illegally manufactured drugs have no controls on factors such as purity, strength and hygiene.  Drugs may be mixed, or ‘cut’, with other substances such as sugar, baking soda and talcum powder to increase profits.  This increases the risk of experiencing harmful or unpleasant effects.

Drugs are often mixed with substances that are or become poisonous when mixed together.  This may cause collapsed veins, tetanus, abscesses and damage to the heart, lungs, liver and brain.  In addition, because people often don’t know the exact purity and strength of the drug they are taking, chances of overdose and death are also increased. 

Combining one drug with other drugs such as alcohol or prescribed drugs can increase and alter the effects, with unpredictable consequences.  It is always dangerous to combine drugs.

Dangers of Injecting

There is increased risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses and infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C through transfer of even miniscule amounts of blood, too small for the eye to see.

If the drugs which are injected are not filtered or the substances fully dissolved then blockages may occur which often leads to the loss of limbs or digits.

If injected into the skin, either by intent or accident, some drugs cause severe vasoconstriction, which may prevent blood flowing to the tissue, potentially resulting in severe tissue damage.  This can occur after just one injection of the drug. 

To reduce the harm when injecting:

• Switch from injecting to snorting or swallowing

• Wash hands first in soap and water

• Start with half the dose first

• Safely dispose of syringes after one use

• Make sure your drugs are fully dissolved

• Boil the solution you are going to inject briefly and allow to cool, before you inject

• Filter your drugs to remove undissolved particles

• Get new syringes from a reliable source such as a pharmacy or needle exchange

• Never reuse or share needles and syringes or gear such as tourniquets, spoons and filters

• Don't allow yourself to be injected by someone else

Dangers of Snorting

Repeated snorting damages the lining of the nose and nasal passages, and can also damage the structure separating the nostrils.  The body reacts to snorting by producing more mucous to coat and protect the delicate membranes so the user will tend to sniff and snivel a lot.

Sharing drug-sniffing implements increases the risk of transmission of hepatitis C.

To reduce the risk while snorting:

• Never reuse or share drug-sniffing implements

Dangers of Inhaling

The main danger comes from accidents when ‘high', such as suffocation caused by using plastic bags to inhale, choking on vomit when unconscious, and behaving recklessly.

‘Sudden sniffing death’ has followed the use of aerosol sprays, cleaning and correction fluids, and model aeroplane cement.  It is believed that chemicals in these products can cause heart failure, particularly if the user is stressed or does heavy exercise after inhaling.  This is very rare.

If using a cracker or canister there is a danger of frostbite to the lips, throat and vocal cords because the gas is so cold.

If using a cracker or canister there is a danger of damage to the lungs from the high pressure of the gas coming out of the charger/canister. 

To reduce the risk while inhaling:

• Do not use solvents on your own

• Put solvents on a piece of clothing instead of sniffing straight from the container

• Do not spray directly into the throat

• Do not use in dangerous or isolated areas

• Do not take inhalants with other stimulants (eg coke, speed etc) as it can place too much strain on your heart

• Do not hold too closely to the nose when inhaling

• Try leaving the open bottle in the corner of the room to avoid inhaling directly

Dangers of Smoking

Smoking can cause breathing difficulties, chronic cough, chest pain and lung damage. 

The main problem with smoking drugs is the amount of tar and other substances in them that lead to chest and bronchial infections.

Longer term effects of smoking drugs can be quite significant such as cancers of the lungs and throat.

To reduce the risk while smoking:

• The use of bongs and water bongs can make smoking drugs safer as it can cool the smoke and remove impurities from the smoke.

• Vaporizing drugs at high temperatures before taking the smoke into your lungs is safer since the substance is more fully combusted and therefore the residues are less.

Dangers of Suppositories

The mucous membranes are very fragile and drugs which are either very acidic or alkaline tend to burn the tissue, causing damage. Since these are internal membranes its often difficult to assess how much damage has been caused unless there are obvious signs such as rectal bleeding.

Secondly inserting things into your anus carries the risk of perforation (making a rip or hole) of the lower colon which is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal.

To reduce the risk while using suppositories:

• Use an oily substance like cocoa butter or dairy butter grind up the substance into a fine powder and mix with the butter, roll up into a cigarette paper and allow to harden in the fridge. Use lots of lube to insert the suppository to avoid damage.