02.10.24
3 minute read
In 2023 Bristol Drugs Project was involved in a Safer Inhalation Pipe (SIP) project, where we were able to distribute crack pipes to the people of Bristol for the duration of the study, with the aim of reducing health harms among people who use crack.
This was a major step forward for drug and alcohol harm reduction services, and we’re pleased to announce that we are now able to continue distributing the pipes!
“Not only can pipe provision through drug treatment services help to reduce health harms among people who use crack, but it can enable a point of connection and recognition for this highly stigmatised population. This is a landmark moment in UK harm reduction.”
Magdalena Harris – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
But why crack pipes?
Pipes used for smoking crack cocaine are often homemade or repurposed from cans, bottles or inhalers, which can heighten the risk of respiratory health complications.
The SIPs are designed to be a safer alternative, with a heat-resistant glass tube to prevent shattering and burning, a detachable rubber mouthpiece to decrease the transmission of infection and illness, and a steel gauze designed to prevent the inhalation of metal fragments, common with makeshift filters.
But beyond the design of the pipes themselves sits a larger sense of autonomy for our service users. Merely having the option of a Safer Inhalation Pipe is a huge step forward for BDP in our effort to meet the needs of people who use drugs.
“We’re excited to be one of the first UK sites to provide Safer Inhalation Pipes to people who smoke crack. We know that the health needs of people who use crack are often overlooked by services and it’s great to be able to provide equipment that can support people in reducing some of the harms caused by crack.
Lydia Plant – Director of Operations, BDP
We’re really grateful to the service users who helped us to make decisions about which SIPs to stock and look forward to continuing to work with our service users to develop further services that work for people who use crack”
We hope that by providing our service users with a safer alternative with which to smoke crack, we continue to increase harm-reductive conversations around drug use, facilitating a stronger relationship and sense of trust and connection between BDP and its service users.
Want a Safer Inhalation Pipe?
Pipes are available to collect from our Needle Exchange during our opening hours at:
11 Brunswick Square (the big pink door!)
St Pauls
BS2 8PE
