Injecting illicit drugs

Injecting drug use is of major concern to both Western and developing nations, causing extensive associated harm at both individual and public health levels. This book provides readers with authoritative and practical information on injecting drug use and the health consequences of this behaviour. Includes topical issues such as needle fixation, transitions to and from injecting, and illicit drug use in prison settings. Documents the relationship between injecting practice and infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C. Explores harm reduction approaches such as safer injecting and super

"Injecting drug use is of major concern to both Western and developing nations, causing extensive associated harm at both individual and public health levels. This book provides readers with authoritative and practical information on injecting drug use and the health consequences of this behaviour." "As an efficient route of drug administration, the sequelae of injecting illicit drugs can be particularly deleterious in nature. The chapters in this book trace the hazards for the drug injector and promote a harm reduction approach to minimise these risks. Socio-cultural issues are considered, such as the ritualisation of injecting behaviour. Lifestyle characteristics of the injecting drug user are also taken into account. Insights from the user perspective are reflected in the last chapter."--Jacket