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