Needle & Syringe advice

[MichaelB]

I’m currently working on a handbook for people working in needle & syringe programs about steroids.

It is not intended to explain in detail the how, what, and whys of steroid use; rather, it is to give a broad overview so staff have some idea about steroids. The aim is to provide better service to steroid users.

Traditionally NSP clients are heroin, amphetamine, etc injectors so that’s where our experience is, and after 21 years we’re pretty good! But steroids are a whole new area.

To ensure we get things right it’s always best to speak with users, trouble is many steroid users are reluctant to stay and have a chat! (fear of police, people thinking they’re ‘junkies’, etc) And we just don’t have the same networks that we do with the illicit drugs.

So I thought I’d sign up here and ask around.

The main information we’re after is around the size of barrels and needles people use.

Again, most of that we understand except that some people use a 19gauge to draw up then a 22gauge to inject.

Why not just use a 22 gauge to draw up and inject?


BTW – if you think there’s anything people working in needle and syringe programs need to know feel free to email or pm me, if you’re in Australia and would be happy to speak with me via phone even better.

Obviously I’m very aware about the need for absolute privacy – it’s something we value very highly and can guarantee your privacy and anonymity. My contact email is not my health dept email – just for added security.

Thanks

Michael

 

[GymLift]

Traditionally NSP clients are heroin, amphetamine, etc injectors so that’s where our experience is, and after 21 years we’re pretty good! But steroids are a whole new area.

Steroid use has been around for a long time.

Steroid users buy their syringes over the Internet or at the pharmacy.

If a steroid user shows up, tell them "don't be a freeloader."

I've absolutely never heard of a steroid user sharing a syringe with another person.

I draw up with a 20G and inject with a 25G. 25G means less pain, less scar tissue, etc.

I get 200 syringes 20G 1" + 100 25G 1.5" pins + 100 25G 1" pins at Wal-Mart for $35. Syringes are cheap.

 

[jacked179]

Hi mike
The reason for me is it takes so long to draw due to density of the roids with a 22-25ga so I draw with a 18-20 ga and use a 2'' pin just cause its easier. Then use your your 22-1-1.5 to inject.

 

[intrinsic1]

Hey how about including a bit on how to dispose of them, I have to go down the block and toss them in someone elses trash. How the hell do you properly get rid of used pins? Pain in the ass...

 

[pandasys]

Hey how about including a bit on how to dispose of them, I have to go down the block and toss them in someone elses trash. How the hell do you properly get rid of used pins? Pain in the ass...

In some states you can put them in the trash as long as they are in an appropriately labeled sharps container. There are also some hospitals and pharmacies that provide a place to drop off your sharps container - usually some type of kiosk or drop box. You can also get rid of them by mail using a service like SharpsDisposal

 

[BigRonWannabee]

Id suggest that if you dont have the means or desire to dispose of them in a sharps container - to do the following:

Place them in an empty protein tub. When its full or its time to throw it out, duct tape it up liberally, and label if you wish. This will pretty much eliminate the chance of some poor garbage man or homeless dude stabbing themselves with your used neddles.

 

[GymLift]

Place them in an empty protein tub. When its full or its time to throw it out, duct tape it up liberally, and label if you wish. This will pretty much eliminate the chance of some poor garbage man or homeless dude stabbing themselves with your used neddles.

This is pretty much what the hospitals in my area recommend as well, except they say to use a plastic laundry detergent container and label it "do not recycle."

I use one of those big clear plastic pretzel containers. Its pretty full right now, however.

 

[intrinsic1]

Id suggest that if you dont have the means or desire to dispose of them in a sharps container - to do the following:

Place them in an empty protein tub. When its full or its time to throw it out, duct tape it up liberally, and label if you wish. This will pretty much eliminate the chance of some poor garbage man or homeless dude stabbing themselves with your used neddles.

Good advice. As a New Yorker, I don't feel guilty about many things, but thowing those suckers in the garbage, just didn't sit well. I will try the tub thing.... Thanks!

 

[BigRonWannabee]

Its amazing when they get full. You look at that tub stuffed with needles and think...wow. The taboo of syringes and needles wont ever fully dissapear for me I guess.

 

[GymLift]

Its amazing when they get full. You look at that tub stuffed with needles and think...wow. The taboo of syringes and needles wont ever fully dissapear for me I guess.

I get a little bit of blood in many of my syringes at the end of the injection for some reason. I figure this will probably only serve to increase their value on eBay, if only eBay didn't have rules about this kind of stuff.

I'm kind of proud of my tub of used syringes for some reason. I'll be sad to let it go.

 

[MichaelB]

I'm kind of proud of my tub of used syringes for some reason. I'll be sad to let it go.

LOL!

Mranak -

Steroid use has been around for a long time.

Sorry, I should have been more clear - it's a whole new area for us.

In Australia the provisions of free injecting equipment is part of our public health policy - so there's no freeloading so to speak - all part of the service :]
We'd rather give out free syringes and provide other services (like assistance with abcesses, etc) as the initial cost to govt is considerably cheaper than potential long term problems.

I draw up with a 20G and inject with a 25G. 25G means less pain, less scar tissue, etc.

Ahh, that's almost a du'oh one - I should have thought of that!


Jacked179 - thanks for the reply also - that also kinda makes sense - might have to have a play around myself I reckon.

Re the disposal issue stuff - in Australia ANY needle and syringe program will have disposal facilities - in QLD nearly every hospital has a large yellow bin outside - you can use that.

 

[Swellin]

I use the liquid laundry detergent bottles. i get the biggest/cheapest ones out there. To get more mileage, be sure to take the pins off the barrels before depositing in the detergent bottle. Then be sure to duct tape the cap on the end and use a black marker to state "Do Not Recycle," unless you live in my area and they don't recycle anyway.

I like your idea of helping with abscesses. Most of us are scared to go to the doc about them and we try the old ideas we got off the net...which can certainly make things worse.

 

[GymLift]

MichaelB: Australia, huh?

Well, A+ to any steroid users that show up. Your country has a reputation for having the toughest customs in world.

 

[MichaelB]

Tough customs... oh yeah, very :[

At our Needle & Syringe programs around 10% of clients are steroid users - we know there's more out there they just are unfamiliar with our services.

So if there's any Aussies on the board and they want to know more - give me an oi.