In this episode Allison and Nigel talk about the equipment stocked by Needle and Syringe Programmes (NSPs) and how the range goes way beyond needles and syringes. They talk about finding the right needle for each injector and each injecting site, and the differences between pharmacy needle exchanges and fixed site NSPs. They also spend some time talking about the good, the bad and the ugly of NSP design and practice, and getting creative with mixed media messages.

If you are effected by any of the issues raised in this show please visit the Hooked section of our forums or injectingadvice.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:12 — 30.9MB)

In this episode Nigel and Allison are joined by Allan Clear of the Harm Reduction Coalition, based in New York City. Allan talks about the work of the Harm Reduction Coalition in New York and California, giving examples of creative and grass roots projects, and compares the picture in the US with that in the UK. Also ripe for discussion is the role of new media and traditional media in communicating with drug users to get harm reduction messages out there.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:54 — 29.4MB)

Nigel and Allison discuss the heroin drought which has affected the UK and Ireland since November 2011. The show covers the risks presented to users, the opportunities for change and what workers and agencies need to be doing.  This episode was recorded on January 31st. The heroin drought continues, quality is fluctuating and there have been a number of deaths reported believed to be related to heroin purity in Lancashire.

If you are effected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the Hooked section of our forums or injectingadvice.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:55 — 14.3MB)

UPDATE: Turns out that we put the wrong interview up last time. Sorry about that. This is now the correct episode, a totally new one. More new Hooked will be back next week.

In this week’s episode, Andrew Preston talks to Hooked about Exchange Supplies, a social enterprise that brings innovative products to injecting drug users and drug workers. If you are effected by any of the issues raised in the Hooked podcast, please visit the Hooked section of our forum or injectingadvice.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:31 — 19.6MB)

With apologies for the lack of shows in the past few weeks, Hooked returns with another interview from the IHRA conference. Today, Nigel talks to Ray Stephens, about his work as a Senior Education & Training Officer at a project in Melbourne, Australia. Ray is a strong believer in using social media to engage drug users in conversations about harm reduction, and met Nigel using online social media and networking tools. Together, they talk about the future of harm reduction and how we engage with drug users.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:28 — 24.4MB)

In today’s episode, Nigel and Allison talk through some of the most difficult advice they have to give in their work with drug users. Ethics, skill levels and personal comfort all factor in deciding if, when and how you ought to say something. Discuss the stuff you find hard to say on our forums, and share advice with each other about how you do it comfortably and effectively. If you’re effected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the Hooked section of our forums or injectingadvice.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:10 — 16.3MB)

In today’s episode, Nigel and Allison have a NSFW (not safe for work) talk about contraception. They discuss the different choices available, via a potted history of contraception, kinky sex, what not to use as contraception and what to do if you want to get pregnant. Talking about sexual health and contraception is best done with honesty and humour, and so this show is somewhat rude and a smidgen crude and bundled with lots of laughs. Enjoy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:15:06 — 34.6MB)

This week Allison and Nigel are joined by Andrew Preston of Exchange Supplies to talk about Harm Reduction Works, a campaign they developed for the National Treatment Agency. Andrew talks about the rationale behind Harm Reduction Works and discusses in detail each resource in the collection. All the resources are free to drug services and individuals in England and Wales and are incredibly valuable in delivering harm reduction messages to injecting drug users.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:18 — 23.2MB)

This week Allison and Nigel discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of tourniquets. They discuss whether you really need them, the law and the damage caused by incorrect use, and come to a conclusion about what’s the best and safest home made tourniquet.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:36 — 14.6MB)

In the second of our interviews from  the IHRA Conference 2010, Nigel talks to Meghan Ralston from Drug Policy Alliance. Beginning with a stark reminder that the number one cause of death of males aged 35-54 in the US is overdose, Meghan discusses her work in raising awareness of overdose, policy change and innovative action in the face of many barriers to harm reduction. See the forums at simplysydicated.com and injectingadvice.com for full show notes and links.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:28 — 34.5MB)