There is research to indicate that the percentage of gay men who smoke cigarettes is higher than that of the general male population. It seems that gay men also have different patterns of alcohol and other drug use. This can affect physical, mental, social and financial health and wellbeing.

Check out information available about smoking, alcohol and other types of drugs, how they interact and how to minimise drug-related harms so that you can make informed decisions. The negative effects of smoking are well documented, as are those of alcohol misuse, and information is available on many kinds of legal and illegal drugs.

If you inject drugs, always have plenty of clean (sterile, single use) equipment handy (fits, tourniquets, swabs, spoons, waters, filters) - regardless of how often you inject.

Sharing injecting equipment poses a risk of infection with HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B, along with other blood borne diseases.

Understanding and use of safe injecting practices is vital. A Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) or HIV service can provide information and most of the gear you might need.

Check it out with your GP, the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) or other service provider you trust. ADIS - 1800 803806.