TOPICS

DRUG CONSUMPTION

There are a number of plants which can be used to produce a variety of different drugs. These range from the popular drugs like hops (beer) and tobacco to the psychoactive cannabis and the euphorigenic opium poppy. What does that have to do with HIV/AIDS? This is what our Garden Team has to say:

Unfortunately, it is still common that injection drug users (IDU) transmit HIV by sharing syringes and other equipment for drug injection. Infected blood can be drawn up into a syringe and then get injected along with the drug by the next user of the syringe. Even cookers, filters or tourniquets can bear the risc of an infection. Only clean syringes and equipment will prevent transmissions and are handed out in pharmacies, drug-counselling services, or Medically Supervised Injecting Centers.

The use of "lighter drugs" like alcohol or cannabis can lower your inhibitions leading to careless behaviour in the heat of the battle. Don’t forget your condom when you are under the influence on a one-night stand after a long night in the club.