ABSTRACT

This chapter sets out to explore four interrelated assertions concerning injecting drug use and the risk of infectious disease. First, that there is a need for community-based interventions to effect behaviour change amongst injecting drug users. Second, that a prerequisite for any such interventions is an understanding of the lifestyles and daily routines of the target populations. Third, that some form of risk management, especially that related to injecting behaviour, is an integral component of many drug user lifestyles. Fourth, that we should seek to build on positive activities that are already part of daily routines and seek to discourage those that are prejudicial to risk reduction.