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Any
drug that is to be injected needs to be dissolved into a solution.
Sterile water is the safest choice, however brown heroin is more
easily dissolved in acids such as lemon juice or vinegar. The
problem here is that both these substances may contain bacteria
or become contaminated. Also, lemon juice has been associated
with thrush and other fungal infections which may lead to loss
of vision and heart conditions. Vitamin C is thought to be the
safest acid to use, though it still has dangers. For more information
on safer injecting see the safer
injecting guide on Exchange Supplies website.
When
injected into a vein, all the drug enters the blood stream and
some is carried directly to the brain,
producing a noticeable effect within seconds. For these reasons
the onset of the drug's effects (the 'rush') is quicker and more
striking after injection.. Drugs like heroin or cocaine for injecting
are usually injected directly into the vein. Other drugs such
as anabolic
steroids are injected under the skin or into muscles.
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Spoon used to dissolve & heat heroin in solution |
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The major dangers of injecting are overdose; infection
from non-sterile injection methods (including hepatitis,
AIDS and other diseases transmitted by more than one injector
sharing the same needle); abscesses and gangrene caused
by missing the vein when injecting; and damage from using
crushed-up tablets and other dosage forms not meant to
be injected.
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For
some people the ritual of injection may become as important
as the effect of the drug, and if no drugs are available almost
anything will be injected including warm water.
October 2006
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