It's important to clean up after injecting to prevent infections and keep yourself and others safe.
When you have finished injecting your hit, dispose of your needle in a cin bin (sometimes called an incineration bin or sharps bin).
You can get a cin bin for free from a needle and syringe service.
If you don’t have one, you can use something like a strong plastic bottle with a lid.
Never reuse a needle or syringe unless it’s an emergency.
It’s always best to make sure you have enough new equipment from your local needle and syringe service.
But if you do need to reuse a needle or syringe, make sure that you clean it carefully with water and bleach before and after you use.
Watch how to clean a syringe properly.
Throw away any used swabs, filters or opened water ampoules, as these can all contain bacteria.
If you used a disposable surface to prepare your hit, throw this away too.
Wipe down the surface of your injecting space using soapy water if possible. If you don’t have soap and water, you can use alcohol swabs or hand sanitiser.
Wash your hands.
Make sure it’s safe for you to approach the person
Try to wake them by talking loudly to them and gently shaking their shoulders
Check if they're breathing by looking to see if their chest is moving
Put them in the recovery position
Call 999 for an ambulance, telling emergency services what you know
If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl.
Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them.
We have lots more helpful advice and guides to help you get the information you need.
We can help you cut down, make safer choices or stop using altogether.
Search for your local service and get in touch today.