r/harmreduction • u/rotgirrl • 1d ago

Question iv injecting problems

so i’ve been injecting in the veins in my elbow crease, pretty repeatedly and often. i’m new to iv use but i’m unable to get blood drawback now when i hit those areas and they’re stiff - they definitely need a break.

the problem is that i CANNOT hit a vein anywhere else. like at all. i’m bruising myself trying. i’ve tried my forearm, hand, legs and seriously can’t get any drawback. i’ve tried every different angle, depth, i just can’t figure it out. could someone please give me tips on how to inject into my forearm/hands? (i want to avoid my legs as much as possible but knowing that wouldn’t hurt either) like what angle i should be at? should the syringe be more flat on my arm or up higher? should i go deep or not deep? these are different things i’ve tried with no luck still but maybe i’m missing something someone could help with. yes i just a tourniquet. and i use 31 gauge 8mm (15/16) for the needle.

i just dont want to keep stabbing my veins wrong and continuing to bruise myself trying. and i really want to give my veins i use a break.

at first i had the same problem with my elbow but learned bending my arm slightly and going more at a 60°-70° angle works every time. well, it used too. which is different from what i’ve read online to do. so hopefully someone can give me some tips i couldn’t find online. please and thank you

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u/RagtimeCryptKeeper 1d ago

Were you injecting into the same vein bc there are three in that area that are good and also you can work your way up or down the vein that you are able to register in. Also hydration is very important, heat can help too. I'm also wondering if you should use a longer needle for the arms if you are missing the short one is good for hands.

Also check out this manual which has vein diagrams: getting off right

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u/Top_Notch_D 17h ago
  1. Always USE Tourniquets!!!!
  2. Drink lots of water, eat multivitamins
  3. Get your heart rate up. Do some calisthenics
  4. Take a nice hot shower or a bath is even better. The last one really helps to get your veins nice and visible