Russian Roulette

For the Dutch awareness campaign on hepatitis C, Mainline developed a game called ‘Russian Roulette.’ A good tool for starting up conversations in different settings and fields of work. By making up their own questions, social workers can bring up sensitive issues in a light-hearted setting. The board game can be ordered via this website, starting September 20 2010.

Research

Mainline and the Schorer Foundation conducted research into MSM (Men who have Sex with Men), substance use and high-risk behaviour. Some of the research questions were: which drugs does this group use and how does their use affect the susceptibility to infectious diseases?

Stimulating needle exchange

Risks of injecting drugs

Injecting drugs– or ‘shooting up’ – is a very high-risk activity. People that share paraphernalia with other users run the risk of being infected with hepatitis and HIV. Other complications that can result from shooting up are problems occurring to the skin and veins, an inflammation of the heart valve and the risk of an overdose. A lot of problems are preventable with the right technique and use of good and clean materials.

Safe injection practices

Through the Stimulating Needle Exchange project, Mainline supports care providers and substance users to prevent infectious diseases and ensure that paraphernalia are used safely. Providing clean materials is essential, but good contact between the user and care provider also plays an important role in preventing and treating complications. 

More information or advice:

Jeannot Schmidt ››
Safe shop
Workshop on safe injection practices
Information on location