Why do injecting drug users still choose to share their needles?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-02-03 03:00

Australia; NSW

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Young people who inject drugs are more likely to share needles than older people, according to Australian research. The team surveyed 600 people to investigate why rates of needle sharing have not changed much in recent years despite the risk of transmitting disease, and needle and syringe programs are now widely available in Australian cities. The researchers say people who use heroin and those who have experienced recent drug-related stigma were more likely to share needles. They say young people who are more connected to a community of people who use drugs are more likely to share needles, but for older people, connection to a similar community decreases the chances of them sharing needles. This means targeting these communities with more education could help young people take the risks seriously and learn what resources are available to them, the researchers add.