Jabberwocky
Frumious Bandersnatch
*sparks up a peter steuyvesant*
You can't really blame your friends' actions on your own, but I do feel like there are certain innate or societally-implanted barriers to IV drug use which must be broken down before a person starts using drugs intravenously.
First...there is a very real social stigma attached to IV drugs. When someone sees a close friend or knows someone who IVs who continues to mantain an (at least outwardly) functional lifestyle, the individual may start to question why they previously held an aversion to IV drugs. "After all, if X shoots up, and has a job and goes to school, it must not be that bad," would be the rationale here.
Second...the individual outwardly expresses curiosity in using IV drugs. After step 1, they have probably formed the belief that one can be an occasional IV drug user, or at least a constant and functional one. Due to either tolerance or curiosity, they start to consider the act of IVing themselves. However, as we are not born with the knowledge of how to hit a vein, etc., they seek out the drug user from stage one, bringing us to...
Three...the individual experiences IV drug use. This would involve another person prepping the shot for them, setting up the set and setting, etc. They may decide they don't enjoy the experience and stop here, or they may enjoy it, there is no telling. They may lay in this stage for hours or years. In my case, I figured out what the other person was doing within several minutes, and was able to IV after that point. Other people have gone years without figuring out how to prep drugs for injection, and finding a vein, and all that, which brings us to...
Four...individual knows how to IV drugs and does it as often as they wish. I have probably IVed a total of 15-20 times since I figured out how to. With others, it is much more often. I simply don't feel the urge to inject all of the time, and when I do, I inject. However, I can see where other people enjoy the feeling enough to inject every day, and take the habit to dangerous or lethal levels.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that while people like you and I may provide some of the knowledge needed to IV drugs, who is to say these people couldn't have found this knowledge somewhere else? Its hard to mantain a clear conscience if you've shot someone up, but if you know they won't attempt it elsewhere, don't offer to give them IV drugs. If you suspect they might try on their own or have another (worse) source of information, help them out but teach them as many techniques as you can to reduce harm. Its a fine line, and I see your moral dilemma, for sure.
I feel like that in many cases, if a friend or significant other is asking you to shoot them up, they already have decided mentally that they are ready to do so, and will probably take an opportunity to do it whether or not you are the one assisting them. And for me that's where the harm reduction aspect comes into play. It's difficult for them to watch you prepare a shot and not at least have SOME idea how to do it, so you may as well show them all the extra tips and techniques involved in shooting as safely as possible. Because if you don't show them how to do it properly, there's a good chance they'll end up trying it themselves and could end up really botching it, and putting themselves in danger.
If you're an IV drug user and don't want to boot your friends up because you are afraid it might turn them on to IV use, you can always try to not IV in front of them, even if they're aware that you do it. Simply going into another room can remove or at least minimize that trigger within them that increases their curiosity, and given time, they may lose interest in wanting to mainline a drug.
just my two cents, i feel like you're shutting off a lot bluelighters who've never shot up from this thread
once you drive a Ferrari, no one wants to go back to driving a Honda.
I got pretty upset talking to someone tonight about IV use. I've never done IV, I tried to get my peers and people around me to do it, but none of them would help. They were fearful of me crossing the line so to say. I know there are some people who can use IV as a ROA with no problems, but there is a majority who can't.
Would you help or introduce someone to the world of IV? Do you think it is alright to show someone IV as a ROA? To introduce someone from say iv coke to iv meth?
I got pretty upset arguing with someone over this, I have access even if limited access to IV users IRL, but every single one told me to stay the fuck away. I'm just curious about other peoples opinions regarding this.
-Disclaimer- If you can use IV responsibly , thats good for you. I think a majority of people can't, and once that line is crossed there is no other ROA that makes you feel satisfied. Personal experience in that department is null, so I could be ignorant as shit and completely wrong. I have a feeling though if someone had shot me up, I would be on a whole nother level. Prove me right or wrong?
Mods if its the wrong forum, feel free to move, I just figured a majority of IV is other drugs, not so much psychedelics and what not. BTW I am not judging anyone for anything they do, but would you want to pass on the know how to do this ROA?
Having introduced someone to IV use, I regret it. I mean true if the person is hellbent on doing it, or they have such a high tolerance they are headed there any way, then I would show them how to do it safely. but if they can still sniff, then no not again. If you can avoid IV use, then do so.
Especially not something like IV coke. what a terrible terrible thing to introduce somebody to.