A method of diamorphine (heroin) administration for harm reduction

Guide or handbook
by
Kavanagh, Oisín N. & Tatiane C. Machado

Release Date

2023

Geography

UK

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Findings/Key points

This work employs Henderson–Hasselbalch models to analyse the risk of venous damage by placing solution pH within the context of the buffer capacity of the blood. These models also highlight the significant risk of heroin supersaturation and precipitation within the vein, an event that has the potential to cause further harm to the user. This perspective closes with a modified administration method which could be included as part of a wider harm reduction package.

Keywords

Harm reduction
Illegal drugs