Book excerpt: Injecting drug use is of major concern to both Western and developing nations, causing extensive associated harm at both individual and public health levels. This book provides readers with authoritative and practical information on injecting drug use and the health consequences of this behaviour. Includes topical issues such as needle fixation, transitions to and from injecting, and illicit drug use in prison settings. Documents the relationship between injecting practice and infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C. Explores harm reduction approaches such as safer injecting and supervised injecting rooms. Reflects international perspectives from expert contributors.