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Table 3 Steps for physicians caring for active injection drug users

From: Syringe access for the prevention of blood borne infections among 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