Harm reduction

People have the right to be safe even if they are not ready to abstain from drug use. Our harm reduction services can help protect you and your family’s health. 

We have a specialist nursing team within the service that can help with: 

  • Testing for Hepatitis B, C and HIV
  • Vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B)
  • Safer drug and injecting advice
  • Drug screening and sample testing
  • Monitoring of Hepatitis, HIV and liver disease
  • Assessment for other general health problems and referral to specialist services. 

Naloxone

Drug-related deaths are rising with increased rates of synthetic opioids in the UK drug supply.  

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose from drugs like heroin, contaminated opioids and methadone. If someone is having an opioid overdose, this medication can buy extra time for the emergency services to arrive. 

Relapse prevention and safe injection practices

Preventing relapse and practicing safe injection are key to reducing risks associated with drug use.

Relapse prevention
Relapse, a return to substance use after abstinence, is a common challenge in recovery. A strong prevention plan can help reduce the risk.

  • Identify triggers: recognising situations, environments, or emotions that lead to cravings allows individuals to develop coping strategies.
  • Support networks: engaging with groups like NAUK, Alcoholics Anonymous, or Cocaine Anonymous along with family, friends, or peer support, provides crucial encouragement and accountability.
  • Therapy and counseling: managing stress and anxiety through professional support can help prevent relapse.

A well-structured plan, support system and coping tools can make a lasting difference in maintaining recovery.

Safe injection practices

For individuals using IV substances, practicing safe injection is crucial to reducing health risks. Sharing needles can spread HIV, Hepatitis C, and other infections. Our service provides screening for Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, along with referrals for STI/STD care.

We offer guidance on safer use, including proper injection techniques, site rotation, reducing frequency, and seeking professional support. Access to clean needles through exchange programs helps prevent infections, while education on hygiene, overdose signs, and naloxone use can save lives. Carrying naloxone and ensuring others are trained to use it is essential for overdose prevention.

Needle exchange services in Enfield

Enfield has eight pharmacies offering essential needle exchange services to reduce harm and support community health. These programs help prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C by providing sterile needles, reducing shared equipment use. They also connect individuals with addiction treatment, mental health support, and healthcare resources. 

Enfield community-based needle exchange pharmacies:  

  • Alderman’s Pharmacy: 38-40 Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, London, N13 4PN  Tel: 020 8886 5511
  • Aqua Chemist: 55 Bounces Road, Enfield, N9 8JE  Tel: 020 8807 3564 
  • Bee’s Pharmacy: 172 Fore Street, N18 2SL  Tel: 020 8807 3228 
  • Coopers Pharmay: 59A Broad Lane, London, N15 4DJ  Tel: 020 8368 2819 
  • Haywards Pharmacy: 10 Queen Anne's Place, Greater London, EN1 2PT  Tel: 020 8367 4556
  • Healthfare Pharmacy: 9 Colman Parade, Enfield, EN1 1YY  Tel: 020 8367 4556 
  • Kwaterhouse Chemist: 88 Crown Lane, London, N14 5EN  Tel: 020 8886 8191  
  • Ronchetti Pharmacy: 617-619 Hertford Road, Middlesex, EN3 6UP  Tel: 019 9271 0749  

Needle exchange services in Haringey

Haringey has a number of pharmacies offering essential needle exchange services to reduce harm and support community health. These programs help prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C by providing sterile needles, reducing shared equipment use. They also connect individuals with addiction treatment, mental health support, and healthcare resources. 

Haringey community-based needle exchange pharmacies:   

  • Cadge Pharmacy: 105 Philip Lane, London, N15 4JR 
  • Coopers Pharmacy: 59A Broad Lane, London, N15 4DJ   
  • Coral Pharmacy: 312 Park Road, London, N8 8LA 
  • Cross Chemist: 471 Lordship Lane, London, N22 5DJ  
  • Dowsett Pharmacy: 70 Dowsett Road, London, N17 9DD 
  • Mintons Pharmacy: 5 High Road, London, N22 6BH  
  • Morrisons Pharmacy: High Road Wood Green, London, N22 6BH 
  • Pharmacy Express: 214 High Road, London, N22 8HH 
  • Safedale Pharmacy: 491-493 Seven Sisters Road, London, N15 6EP 
  • Santas Pharmacy: 182 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3RN