Poly drug use means consuming multiple drugs at the same time, for example, using heroin or cocaine as well as benzodiazepines (tranquillizers), substitution substances or alcohol.

Consuming several drugs at once carries specific risks. Poly drug use is the most common cause of emergencies and deaths caused by drugs! The risks cannot be calculated, as the different drugs can intensify or weaken the effects of the others.

In addition, the more drugs you have taken, the less you are able to make sure that you only use your own syringe and equipment or your own tube. Poly drug use thus increases your risk of becoming infected with HIV, hepatitis or other pathogens.

AIDS Hilfe provides extensive information about the interactions between different drugs and between drugs and HIV medications at www.hiv-drogen.de.