You're bringing up how heroin is running this person's life and the only thing you bring up is to not use the needle. That doesn't seem like harm reduction. That's prevention.
I just don't understand the idea that if heroin is already interfering with a person's life that advising them not to pick up the needle is considered harm reduction or anything other than a stigma regarding needles.
I would definitely agree that if you're having a problem with heroin then you probably shouldn't shoot it. I just don't understand how if someone is saying that they're having a problem with heroin then the only advice given is "Don't go into shooting", and then acting like it's some helpful advice. I found that rationale particularly alarming when it's coming from people who don't even shoot heroin, but still sniff heroin. It makes it seem like the issue merely relies on the ROA or as if things will somehow be ok so long as they don't switch to shooting.
I responded to a message that I found alarming, and since I concider rabid a "BL-buddy" I felt I had to say something. I'm not saying "this is awesome advice" because it's obvious. I was just trying to show her that I care.
It has nothing to do with a stigma (Atleast that's not what I meant with my post) because needles aren't a taboo for me. I didn't bring it up. What I was referring to with my initial post was this, and I quote:
Might as well starting shooting up too, right? Who gives a fuck. I can't do anything right. Might as well do dope correctly. FUCK.
I proceeded to give her my honest opinion. Trying to prevent her from falling deeper into the H addiction. You can call it "prevention", but in the end it's also harm reduction if the person is already addicted to the substance.. It's simply the most effective and addictive RoA. (For ALOT of drugs, not just H) Tell me if I'm wrong here.. I've known for a while that Rabidrabbit has been struggling with the oxy and heroin. I'm not going to give advice on how to quit heroin because I haven't used it myself. Also, she never asked for advice on how to quit.
Even if she would ask tips on how to quit (which, again, she didn't), I don't think I know more about heroin than her, and well.. I keep my mouth shut about things I don't know much about. I would encourage her, but I would let the people who have been through similar situations give tips, because all I would be able to say can also be found on google.
It's not because you don't have problems abstaining from IV heroin after 1 pinprick (idk howmuch/often you use heroin, but you know what I mean.) that everyone can do the same. To be honest I think rabidrabbit has enough on her plate right now.
Needles have a very strong tendency to make an addiction become worse, it "adds" to the experience because you get high as soon as you push off with a rush to boot.. And that's something I do know from experience... For alot of people one time is
really all it takes. Even if the H is already interfering with her life, I'm pretty certain a needle habit would make things worse; stronger cravings, quicker onset of withdrawals, tolerance rises faster, need more dope, need more money.. (Okay, these problems are there, even now that she doesn't IV.. But they would most likely become more severe by moving to the needle, no?)
@rabidrabbit: I'm NOT trying to insult you by saying you're struggling with these drugs. I'm addicted to a few myself as you probably know and I'm fighting them as we speak. Hope you're not mad. I was genuinely trying to show I care about you. Eventhough I don't know you IRL, I think you have a great personality.
OT: craving benzos like a motherfucker. 3 hours and 15 minutes before I can take my dose..