Using Foil Packs to Help Heroin Users Switch from Injecting to Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Rachael Pizzey, Neil Hunt
Primary Institution: Turning Point
Hypothesis
Will injecting drug users (IDUs) attending NSPs take foil intended for heroin chasing if it is offered by services?
Conclusion
Distributing foil packs can help engage NSP attenders in discussions about reducing injecting risks and may lead to reduced injecting in certain contexts.
Supporting Evidence
- 54% of attendees took the foil packs when offered.
- NSP transactions increased by 32.5% after foil introduction.
- 85% of recent injectors reported using foil to chase heroin instead of injecting.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving out special foil packs can help people who use heroin switch from injecting to smoking, which is safer.
Methodology
The study involved service activity measures and brief structured interviews with NSP attenders.
Potential Biases
Self-reported behavior may be subject to recall effects and social desirability bias.
Limitations
The sample size is small and findings may not be generalizable to other settings with different drug cultures.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 32.5 years, with 16.8% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.016
Statistical Significance
p = 0.016
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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