Table 3

Steps for physicians caring for active injection drug users

• Discuss injection drug use in a nonjudgmental manner at all routine visits

• Participate in CME related to the problems of injection drug users

• Become educated about commonly used substances

• Facilitate access to clean syringes for injectors through prescription or referral

• Educate patients about safer injection practices

• Inform patients about proper disposal of syringes

• Be aware of drug treatment options in the community

• Consider prescription of buprenorphine to heroin addicts

Stancliff et al. BMC Public Health 2003 3:37   doi:10.1186/1471-2458-3-37