Sites: the arms
No two people have the same network of veins; size and position vary from person to person. Men tend to have slightly bigger veins than women.

Inside elbow
If you are going to inject, and have reduced the other risks as much as possible, this is the least dangerous place to inject.

The main problem about blocking these veins is that if you ever need to be given an injection in hospital, or have a drip put up, it will be more difficult.

When these veins are getting blocked it’s time to consider another method of taking your drug, such as sniffing, swallowing or smoking.

Lower arm
If these veins block, the back pressure of blood will start to make the hands cold and swollen. This is often painful and can be permanent.

Forearm
The veins on the forearm tend to be smaller and deeper. Trying to inject into them puts you at risk of hitting small arteries, the bone or a nerve.

If you do inject into a vein in your forearm, point the needle with the flow of blood, away from the hand.

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