Advice for people who use drugs 

What can I do to reduce the risk of me catching coronavirus?

  • Wash your hands all over for at least 20 seconds. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer. Do this after coming into contact with anyone, after handling money and before you handle, prepare or take drugs.
  • Prepare your own drugs. Wipe down drug packages or wraps with alcohol-based cleansers (at least 60% alcohol concentration).
  • Keep your surfaces clean - wipe them down before and after use, with a disinfectant cleaner or disinfectant wipes.
  • Avoid sharing any equipment:
    • Snorting: use your own straws – don’t use notes or keys
    • Smoking: use your own pipes - don’t share cigarettes, roll-ups, vapes or foil
    • Injecting: use your own needles and spoons 

 

Will coronavirus affect the drugs I use?

As coronavirus has affected global movement, we’re expecting some changes to drug supply. You might find that the drugs you pick up are a different strength or purity. This means that there might be a chance the drugs you take are not what you are expecting. Please be careful.

Please make sure you, your family and anyone you use with has a naloxone kit – if you don’t please contact your service and they will provide this. https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/unity/  https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve

I'm worried about travelling to get medication or equipment.

The team at Release has created 'essential journey' cards for you to use if you need to leave your accommodation to pick up medication or harm reduction equipment.

Additional Resources

  • Crew has a useful page with harm reduction advice around coronavirus and drugs.
  • Also take a look at the helpful links below: 

 

As a patient

As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Find resources for carers and service users  Contact the Trust