Safer Injection Education and Harm Reduction Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards outlines essential concepts, safety protocols, risks, and theoretical frameworks for safer injection education and harm reduction as provided to clients and staff.

Supervised Consumption Service (SCS)

A service mentioned as no longer operating, resulting in clients accessing the Drop-In for harm reduction supplies, meals, washroom use, and support.

Test Dose

Also referred to as 'go slow,' this is the practice of starting with a small amount of a drug to manage the risks of an unpredictable, unregulated supply.

Virtual Spotting Service

A service that clients are encouraged to call if they are using drugs alone to ensure someone can check on them.

Sterile Equipment

Items including new syringes, water, cookers, filters, alcohol swabs, and tourniquets that should be used every time to prevent HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Preferred Injection Sites

Safer areas for injection, specifically identified as the forearms and hands (the latter with caution).

High-Risk Injection Sites

Body areas to avoid for injection, including the neck, groin, feet, and arteries, which can cause severe bleeding, blood clots, or loss of limb.

Vein Rotation

The practice of changing injection sites regularly to allow veins time to heal and reduce the risk of abscesses, vein collapse, pain, and swelling.

Sharps Container

A specialized container used to safely dispose of used needles and equipment to prevent them from being left in public spaces.

Overdose Signs

Observable symptoms including unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, blue or grey lips/nails, snoring or gurgling sounds, and pinpoint pupils.

Naloxone

A medication given to respond to an overdose; it is noted that it does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines or xylazine.

Vein Care

Health promotion activities for injectors such as drinking water regularly, warming arms before injecting, and using the smallest needle appropriate.

Tolerance Change

A decrease in the body's ability to handle drug amounts after periods of abstinence, such as during detox, hospitalization, incarceration, or treatment programs.

Xylazine

A contaminant in the current drug supply that staff must understand, particularly because its effects are not reversed by naloxone.

Cellulitis

An injection-related risk and common complication involving skin infection that staff should be able to recognize and refer for medical attention.

Endocarditis

A serious heart-related infection that can result from injection-related risks.

Trauma-Informed Care

A client-centred educational approach for staff that emphasizes avoiding judgment, shame, and lecturing while respecting client autonomy.

Motivational Interviewing

A clinical skill used by staff to explore client goals and ask permission before providing harm reduction education.

Anti-Oppressive Practice

A theoretical framework supporting injection education that focuses on respecting client dignity and addressing power imbalances.

System Navigators

Specific personnel to whom staff may refer clients for specialized help within the healthcare or social service system.

Stages of Change Model

A psychological theory supporting harm reduction education that accounts for a person's readiness to change substance use behavior.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Principles

One of the theoretical frameworks supporting the education provided to help clients manage their health and well-being.