Table 4 Reasons for smoking heroin
From: SMOKE IT! Promoting a change of opiate consumption pattern - from injecting to inhaling
Sex | Age (years) | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M | F | 19–29 | 30–39 | 40+ | ||
(N = 88) | (N = 24) | (N = 32) | (N = 50) | (N = 30) | (N = 112) | |
Curiosity | 51.1% | 41.7% | 62.5% | 42.0% | 46.7% | 49.1% |
Healthier than injection | 56.8% | 66.7% | 53.1% | 60.0% | 63.3% | 58.9% |
Lower risk of HIV and hepatitis | 34.1% | 41.7% | 34.4% | 40.0% | 30.0% | 35.7% |
Lower costs | 9.1% | 4.2% | 18.8% | 4.0% | 3.3% | 8.0% |
Quicker alleviation of withdrawal symptoms | 15.9% | 8.3% | 12.5% | 18.0% | 10.0% | 14.3% |
Veins need a break | 30.7% | 29.2% | 28.1% | 22.0% | 46.7% | 30.4% |
No sterile syringes available | 4.5% | 4.2% | 6.3% | 6.0% | .0% | 4.5% |
Avoidance of overdose | 36.4% | 25.0% | 46.9% | 28.0% | 30.0% | 33.9% |
Recommended by others | 18.2% | 20.8% | 28.1% | 12.0% | 20.0% | 18.8% |