53. How can people who inject drugs reduce their risk of HIV infection?

Stop using drugs. The risk of becoming infected with HIV from needles and syringes can be completely eliminated by not injecting drugs. Methadone maintenance is the most effective treatment program for heroin users. Studies have shown that heroin users who are in a methadone maintenance program are up to six times less likely to get HIV than users who are not in a program.

Reduce injection drug use. If it is not possible to stop using drugs, reducing the frequency of injection can reduce the number of potential exposures to HIV. A methadone maintenance program can help heroin users stop or reduce their drug use.

Always use new needles, syringes, and works. Don’t share. HIV can be passed through infected blood in shared needles, syringes, spoons, bottle caps, cotton, and any other equipment used to inject. Using new needles and syringes to inject drugs can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV. However, syringes, needles, and works sold on the street as “new” may actually be used. They can transmit HIV if someone with HIV previously used them.

Clean needles and works with bleach. If you cannot get new, sterile syringes, you can reduce the risk of infection by always cleaning injection equipment (needles and works) immediately after use and just before reuse. This does not entirely eliminate HIV transmission risk, but it does reduce it .

Three ways to get new, clean needles and syringes in New York State are:

1. At a drug store: In New York State, the Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP) allows registered drugstores to sell up to ten syringes at a time, without a prescription, to adults 18 years or older. To find ESAP pharmacies, and for answers to questions about HIV/AIDS and safe syringe and needle disposal, call the New York State HIV/AIDS Hotline .

2. At a needle exchange program, also called Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs): At SEPs, located in some areas of New York State, drug injectors can exchange used syringes for new, clean syringes. To find SEPs, call the New York State HIV/AIDS Hotline.

3. From your doctor: Under ESAP, health care facilities as well as doctors and other health care providers who can prescribe syringes may also provide syringes without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about ways you can get access to clean needles and syringes.