Drug Use
Hepatitis C can be contracted through the use of recreational
drugs. The sharing of injecting equipment is the principle means of
transmission in developed countries. A new set of equipment
should be used each time whether you snort, inhale
or inject, to prevent transmission of Hepatitis C.
Injecting drugs (including injecting steroids)
If needles and syringes are shared, there is a high risk of
passing on the virus to others. The equipment involved in preparing
drugs for injection can also harbour the virus such as spoons,
water and filters. Use a new set of equipment each time, don't
share any equipment with others to reduce the risk of
infection.
Snorting drugs
Some drugs, like cocaine, can cause bleeding when they wear away
the thin membrane inside the nose. If straws or rolled up bank
notes are shared when snorting drugs, there is a risk infected
blood may be passed to others.
Inhaling drugs
Spoons or pipes are often used to inhale or smoke drugs. The
heat involved can be enough to burn the lips and mouth causing
blisters, cracking or bleeding. Avoid sharing equipment to reduce
the risk of spreading Hepatitis C to someone else.