NYC Health Department Issues Heroin Use Booklet

MYFOXNY.COM - New York City's Department of Health spent $32,000 on 70,000 fliers that tell you drug users how to shoot heroin, complete with detailed tips on prepping the dope and injecting it into your arm, the New York Post reported.

The 16-page pamphlet features seven comic-like illustrations and offers dope fiends such useful advice as "Warm your body (jump up and down) to show your veins," and "Find the vein before you try to inject," the Post reported.

The guidebook is called "Take Charge, Take Care." It has sections on overdosing, testing for HIV and hepatitis, how to "prepare drugs carefully" and "how to take care of your veins."

Officials with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene defended the brochure, saying it was crucial helping addicts get proper information to get treatment or at least minimize their health risks.

But the Drug Enforcement Administration objects to the guidebook because it suggests that there is a "safer" way to inject heroin.

City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. also takes exception to the districbution of the pamplet, saying it gives young people the wrong impression.

Some health experts say that the pamplet can actually save taxpayer money if even a few drug users are prompted to minimize risk of tranmitting diseases.

Read more on the fliers