THREAD
What are the risks of #Coronavirus for people who use drugs, and what can be done to reduce them?
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What are the risks of #Coronavirus for people who use drugs, and what can be done to reduce them?
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Most drug using behaviours can increase the risks of #COVID19 transmission - whether you are smoking a joint, snorting cocaine, or injecting heroin - but basic precautions can reduce these risks
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It’s all common sense, but worth reinforcing; essentially combining existing Covid-19 transmission prevention advice with established harm reduction practices (that already seek to prevent virus/bacterial transmission more generally).
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The following has been compiled from advice circulated by the US Harm Reduction Coalition, Crew2000, Russell Newcombe @TheNewImpostor, and @drugsmeter
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter Eating well, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated - can all boost your immune system
As @drugsmeter also note:
‘big nights out & regular use of many drugs can suppress your immune system & make you more vulnerable to infections so this might be a good time to cut back’
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As @drugsmeter also note:
‘big nights out & regular use of many drugs can suppress your immune system & make you more vulnerable to infections so this might be a good time to cut back’
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter People over 65 or with certain medical conditions are much more vulnerable to Covid-19 & should take these precautions very seriously
People less vulnerable still have a responsibility to not help spread it
If you think you have Covid-19 - self-isolate & seek medical advice
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People less vulnerable still have a responsibility to not help spread it
If you think you have Covid-19 - self-isolate & seek medical advice
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter *Smoking & drinking*
Covid-19 can be spread via saliva, hard surfaces & hand to mouth, so for now avoid sharing cigarettes, joints, pipes, bongs, vapes, glasses, cups & bottles.
Just because alcohol is in hand sanitiser does *not* mean drinking it will protect you
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Covid-19 can be spread via saliva, hard surfaces & hand to mouth, so for now avoid sharing cigarettes, joints, pipes, bongs, vapes, glasses, cups & bottles.
Just because alcohol is in hand sanitiser does *not* mean drinking it will protect you
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter *Snorting drugs*
Harm reduction around drug snorting is often neglected - but it is more important than ever with Covid-19.
First:
Wash your hands *properly* with soap, or at least use hand sanitiser - every time - before handling, preparing, or using drugs.
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Harm reduction around drug snorting is often neglected - but it is more important than ever with Covid-19.
First:
Wash your hands *properly* with soap, or at least use hand sanitiser - every time - before handling, preparing, or using drugs.
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter - Clean surfaces before preparing lines - with a damp soapy cloth and/or alcohol wipe.
This is especially important for hard surfaces that come into contact with hands/people - including phone screens, and pretty much anywhere in clubs, bars, toilets etc.
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This is especially important for hard surfaces that come into contact with hands/people - including phone screens, and pretty much anywhere in clubs, bars, toilets etc.
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter Avoid sharing snorting equipment (including spoons, keys etc)
Use your own straw (different colours to avoid mix ups), or rolled paper (then throw away after use - so avoid using banknotes which are more likely to get re-used).
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Use your own straw (different colours to avoid mix ups), or rolled paper (then throw away after use - so avoid using banknotes which are more likely to get re-used).
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter - Sharing snorting equipment can also spread other viruses (colds and flu), infections, and HepC, so this is sensible longer term harm reduction
- Avoid sharing / passing around your stash bag or box, and avoid dabbing powder with fingers
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- Avoid sharing / passing around your stash bag or box, and avoid dabbing powder with fingers
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter - Chop powders as finely as poss, reducing soft tissue abrasions that can increase transmission risk
This (& having a nasal douche after snorting) also reduces irritation that can cause runny-nose/sneezing (ppl may think you have covid19 even if you don’t!)
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This (& having a nasal douche after snorting) also reduces irritation that can cause runny-nose/sneezing (ppl may think you have covid19 even if you don’t!)
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter *Opioids and Injecting drugs*
People who use opioids or inject drugs are at greater risk.
Follow established harm reduction guidance to avoid BBV transmission, & take additional care with general hygiene & hand washing, and avoid sharing of injecting equipment
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People who use opioids or inject drugs are at greater risk.
Follow established harm reduction guidance to avoid BBV transmission, & take additional care with general hygiene & hand washing, and avoid sharing of injecting equipment
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter - TAKE CARE: #Covid_19 can compromise respiratory function, making respiratory failure/crisis more likely during opioid overdose
- Smoking heroin may also be difficult with Covid-19 related respiratory issues - explore OST options, or other methods of administration
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- Smoking heroin may also be difficult with Covid-19 related respiratory issues - explore OST options, or other methods of administration
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter - Be mindful of potential impacts of the crisis on drug markets, drug and hospital services, and pharmacy provision - make plans for likely disruption and potential drug shortages; consider stocking up on drugs, medication, hygiene supplies etc
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter *Social distancing*
Advice is to minimise/avoid close contact with others (esp. those with Covid-19 or those with symptoms)
This is basically impossible in most club, party and social settings - whether it your local pub or a sweaty Berlin techno bunker
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Advice is to minimise/avoid close contact with others (esp. those with Covid-19 or those with symptoms)
This is basically impossible in most club, party and social settings - whether it your local pub or a sweaty Berlin techno bunker
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter Even if clubs & festivals are not temporarily closed or cancelled (as many already are) it’s probably a good moment to reign in partying for a while.
Try something else; read a book, meditate, paint some watercolours of eerily deserted streets - whatever floats your boat
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Try something else; read a book, meditate, paint some watercolours of eerily deserted streets - whatever floats your boat
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter *Sex*
They aren't sure about actual sex, but Coronavirus can certainly be transmitted by close contact and kissing - so its also a good time to ease off on rampages of sex/snogging
Failing that, always practice safe sex.
They aren't sure about actual sex, but Coronavirus can certainly be transmitted by close contact and kissing - so its also a good time to ease off on rampages of sex/snogging
Failing that, always practice safe sex.
@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter For more detailed info (which I've drawn on for this thread) see:
@crew_2000
CoronaVirus: general hygiene and harm reduction tips
crew.scot/coronavirus-ge…
@HarmReduction Coalition
COVID-19 Guidance for Ppl Who Use Drugs & Harm Reduction Programs
harmreduction.org/miscellaneous/…
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@crew_2000
CoronaVirus: general hygiene and harm reduction tips
crew.scot/coronavirus-ge…
@HarmReduction Coalition
COVID-19 Guidance for Ppl Who Use Drugs & Harm Reduction Programs
harmreduction.org/miscellaneous/…
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@TheNewImpostor @drugsmeter @crew_2000 @HarmReduction Here's some cool infographics to share from @crew_2000 and @drugsmeter
Please post & share other links
TAKE CARE & STAY SAFE
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Please post & share other links
TAKE CARE & STAY SAFE
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