Jan. 5: A new New York City-funded guidebook for heroin users causes outrage with DEA officials. WNBC's Tim Minton reports.
NBC News Channel
NBC News Channel
updated 11:54 a.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 5, 2010
NEW YORK - A New York City-funded guidebook for heroin users offers information on how to prepare drugs carefully and care for veins to avoid infection.
However, the state's top official with the Drug Enforcement Administration said the "Take Charge Take Care" guide was disturbing.
DEA special agent-in-charge John Gilbride said the handout was a "step-by-step instruction on how to inject a poison." The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene printed about 70,000 copies and a top official says the goal is to promote health and save lives.
The 16-page pamphlet features helpful tips for drug users such as: "Warm your body (jump up and down) to show your veins," and "find your vein before you try to inject."
Other tips include: "Only 'boot' once or twice in one shot."
Assistant Commissioner Daliah Heller said instructions on how to perform injections were included because there's "a less harmful way to inject."
The illustrated guidebook also offers information on HIV testing and warnings on the dangers of sharing needles.
Other tips include: "Only 'boot' once or twice in one shot."
Assistant Commissioner Daliah Heller said instructions on how to perform injections were included because there's "a less harmful way to inject."
The illustrated guidebook also offers information on HIV testing and warnings on the dangers of sharing needles.
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