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For injection drug users, drug treatment should be
offered, if available, to help individuals stop using drugs altogether. If they cannot or
will not stop using drugs, it is important to avoid sharing or reusing needles or other
injection equipment or supplies. Needle exchange programs have reduced HIV risk behavior
and prevention of new HIV infections, as well as prevention of hepatitis B and C
infection. If needles or other drug supplies are going to be shared or reused, injection
drug users should be taught how to clean and disinfect these instruments correctly, to use
boiled water, to prepare drugs, and to clean the injection site. Finally, drug users
should be taught how to safely dispose of syringes and needles after use to reduce the
possibility of transmission to others from needlestick injuries. |