Pamphlet

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Break the needle habit. Methadone does it.
Practise Harm Reduction Today and Enjoy a Better Tomorrow
Harm Reduction Hotline: 2112 9977

What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction means reducing harm caused by drug abuse. It is a practical strategy aiming at reducing harm to both individual and society at large.

The four formulae of harm reduction strategy
By following the formulae of harm reduction, drug users can reduce the harm caused by drug abuse.

(1) Formula 1: Methadone does it
Discontinue using drugs and take Methadone instead.

What is Methadone?
Methadone is a controlled medicine which is used for the treatment of opiate addiction.

How can it be used for the treatment of addiction?
Methadone can prevent the withdrawal syndrome of heroin, morphine or opium addiction for 24 to 36 hours. It usually does not produce euphoria and is not associated with any serious side effects, thus enabling the drug users to work and lead a normal life.

So, what is the methadone treatment programme?
Methadone treatment programme comprises two components, namely, Methadone maintenance programme and Methadone detoxification pragramme.

What is Methadone maintenance programme?
In a maintenance programme, drug users receive a proper dose of methadone daily for a period as long as the drug users feel necessary.

What is Methadone detoxification programme?
For those drug users who are determined to achieve a drug-free state, they can enrol in the detoxification programme where they will take decreased dosage of methadone over a period of time, until there is no need for them to continue treatment.

How to choose between the two treatment programmes?
Drug users can choose their own treatment programme. Counselling and advice will be offered by doctors and / or social workers of the methadone clinics. Each drug user’s treatment plan is variable and can be drawn up to suit individual needs.

This link will open in a new windowWhere to seek methadone treatment?
Harm Reduction Hotline : (852) 2112 9977
Methadone Hotline : (852) 2835 1831

(2) Formula 2: Break the needle habit
When drug use is unavoidable, do not inject.

Why break the needle habit?
There is a potential risk of contracting diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and Tetanus through needle sharing.

(3) Formula 3: Do not share needle
If injection is unavoidable, do not share needle and use disposable needle each and every time.

So, how to dispose of the used needles and syringes?

1. Put the used needles and syringes in a rigid container such as a biscuit can;
2. When the container is filled up to two-thirds, make sure to screw the lid on tightly and then seal up with strong tape to prevent the lid from falling off;
3. Label the container with word “Sharps”; and
4. Put the container into the trash.

(4) Formula 4: Disinfect the needles and Syringes
If sharing needles is unavoidable, disinfect the needle thoroughly to prevent the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and Tetanus.

Remember
Practise Harm Reduction Today and Enjoy a Better Tomorrow.

For further information, please call Harm Reduction Hotline: (852)21129977