AMPHETAMINE MISUSE - THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL-CONTEXT ON INJECTION RELATED RISK BEHAVIOR

The influences of interpersonal relationships and the social environme nt on injection risk behaviour are explored in this paper. Data from a study of the lifestyles of amphetamine users in the North-West of Eng land are used to reveal the relationships between social interactions and risk. Differences were found in the factors implicated in the two aspects of sharing. Passing on used injection equipment was largely in fluenced by social factors. Accepting equipment from others was associ ated with perceptions of dependence and the use of needle-exchanges. I mplications for theory are suggested and the difficulties of intervent ion noted.