Keep in mind a few things. In general, addicts (and lay people) think of a heirarchy when thinking about the different routes to use drugs. Unfortunately, the heirarchy we think of isn't always accurate. Just because you are using a needle does not mean it is going to get in you any faster.
Harm-reduction wise the best thing to do would be to switch to rectal administration. Mix the dope up like you normally do, only use an oral syringe (3cc,5cc,10cc) without a needle attached to it, and more water (diluting the mixture means less irritation, anal membranes are sensitive, like the ones in the nose).
However, given that you have suspected infections, abscesses, etc and have already been injecting into your neck (I'm not judging, these are just the last steps when needle work is no longer functional. Oh yea, I figured out you were female before you said so because you hadn't mentioned anywhere how to inject in your femerol vein
), vaporizing the tar is probably the best way to go. It will hit faster than it does with subcutaneous (skinpopping) or intramuscular (muscling) injections. An inferior rush to the one from IV, though a rush nonetheless should come back. Plus, with black tar Heroin, vaporizing is probably "safer" as far as risk of OD, longterm health problems, etc compared to any other route of administration.
A square of aluminum foil folded over a few times with the tar on top, held in one hand, a lighter held in the other with the flame about 3-6 inches under the foil. Keep a straw in your mouth with the end of the straw pointed a few inches above the tar. Hold the flame on until it starts to melt slightly, inhale, stop the lighter and keep inhaling until it stops 'smoking', then continue.
I'd be willing to bet suicide and infection kill more addicts than accidental overdoses x100.
Buprenorphine is touted as a silver bullet, and unfortunately it is anything but for a lot of addicts (it didn't work for me either). Methadone has been much better.
^^You are SO on the money. Great post by the way. And yes Suboxone has been a fucking wonder drug for me, a guy who grew up in So Central LA shooting galleries, banging bag after bag of the strongest black tar ever found.
And I did this for 10+ years. Harm reduction is where it's at. But agreed, a junkie must tire of the game first, or it's no option.
Treatment doesn't have to be permanent. Getting on MMT until you heal, for a few months, can make a big improvement in your quality of life during and after, as you'll have a chance to get yourself well enough to continue living the way you want to without such a huge risk of permanent injury, serious illness or death.
The reason more hardcore addicts don't frequent this or other harm reduction sites is the attitude of the people who began responding to this thread. Harm reduction is most valuable to people whose lives could depend on having information, and trashing people because you personally don't approve of their situation is appalling. No one who asks for any kind of help be it information or treatment should have to deal with any piece of shit taunting them for it.
^^ Amen. Again, well said. I've never shot in my neck...too scared. I have however OD'ed 3 times, each time DEAD except for the kindness of a friend or stranger. Once got a broken breastbone, due to fella trying to bring me back.
Other time, back alley, middle of nowhere, dude runs 4 blocks to the nearest phone, for 911. They could've left me. The last thing I wanna do is brag about being hardcore, but at 48, I'm here to tell ya they don't come anymore hardcore than me, when it comes to chiva. But! I grew up, got tired of the hustle. If it weren't for Harm Reduction, I'd be (back) in prison, or most likely dead. A daughter without her father, that ain't happening.
Loved methadone, but also tired of the daily struggle w/ clinics. Suboxone is
THE DRUG for me, plus of course some added in rx Klonipins
. Hey, I'm not
brain dead.....yet!
