ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on work with injecting drug users at a needle exchange in Bradford, UK and offers some simple guidance on working with this client group in a supportive and understanding manner. Drug users often report bad experiences of their interactions with health professionals, which do little to promote psychological well-being or improve their sense of self-worth. Cocaine users access services less than heroin users and dislike having to be lumped in with services for heroin users. When a drug user has a substantial social network of other users it would be easy to assume that they have access to social support. Sometimes, when it comes to engaging clients, progress is very slow and it's best to think of it as a long-term process rather than expecting a quick win. Mental health promotion should be seen as an ongoing part of the job, whether dealing with an immediate crisis or providing long-term routine support.
