Why harm reduction supplies can change

1 Harm reduction supplies may sometimes change. This can include:

2

Promoting safer drug use practices includes providing education about harm reduction supplies.

Education about safer practices takes into account:

• Type and availability of harm reduction supplies

• Drugs used

• Personal situation

• Drug use habits and preferences

If unable to get the type of supplies they are used to, people may be more likely to start sharing or reusing. They may also try to modify or make their own equipment.

Change can be hard for anyone. It is always important to explain to individuals why the supply has changed. This way they can decide how it is similar to or better than the supply they had been using.

Why a harm reduction supply might change:

New research

About safety or health risks associated with a harm reduction supply.

Changes in drug use practices

Different drugs and how they are used can influence the type of supplies that are available.

Changes in manufacturing

The manufacturers of harm reduction supplies change sometimes. This could be because:

• A manufacturer closed down

• Quality issues are being looked at

• A manufacturer can't keep up with the demand supply.

As a result the packaging of a supply could change. It is important that people understand a change in manufacturing never means a change in quality. Let people know about the change and how it is different from the old supply.

Everyone needs to understand:

• Why the change happened

• How the new supply is similar to or better than the old one

• How to properly use it

• Why using it will lower risks

One way to help with the transition is to first ask for samples of the new or changed supply. Frontline staff and clients can manipulate the samples so they get a better sense of the differences and similarities.

When people understand the reasons why a product has changed, they are more likely to accept and work with the change.