Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Health Department On How To Shoot Heroin
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 4, 2010
Modified Jan 4, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 4, 2010
Modified Jan 4, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Hey taxpayers, we just spent $32,000 on a Department of Health designed Heroin guidebook, complete with helpful illustrations! Just think of all the smack we could have gotten with that money. 70,000 copies of the 16-page pamphlet were printed out, and it's unsurprisingly garnering criticisms from just about everyone.
The tip sheet tells heroin users how to prepare and inject the drugs in a safe manner that can help addicts avoid infection. According to 1010Wins, DEA Special Agent-In-Charge John Gilbride says the handout is "very disturbing" and described it as "a step-by-step instruction on how to inject a poison" — while the city health officials contend the flier will help save lives. The how-to heroin guide includes illustrations accompanied by junkie lingo and text such as: "Warm your body (jump up and down) to show your veins... Only 'boot' once or twice in one shot."
Amongst those criticizing the DoH is Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. who, according to the Post, said it was "sick... It sends a message to our youth: give it a try." Perhaps the Department of Education should screen Trainspotting to counteract it.
Tagged
department of health
drugs
guide
heroin
how to
tips
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
How NYC voters could determine outcome of race for governor
The Democratic governor got a startling lesson four years ago in the importance of turnout in New York City.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Early Addition: Is the Cheesecake Factory vs. the Amtrak buttercake our new culture war?
Because they're raving about the little cake you can only get in first class on select trains, here are your early links: Hunting for Bigfoot is big in New Jersey, the East Village got a kitschy wedding chapel, "Slime Square-42 St," and more.
By
James Ramsay
News
Early Addition: Is the Cheesecake Factory vs. the Amtrak buttercake our new culture war?
Because they're raving about the little cake you can only get in first class on select trains, here are your early links: Hunting for Bigfoot is big in New Jersey, the East Village got a kitschy wedding chapel, "Slime Square-42 St," and more.
By
James Ramsay
Brooklyn woman hit and killed by garbage truck at Bay Parkway, NYPD says
By
Ryan Kost
NY's housing crisis is on the ballot. Here's what the candidates say they'll do about it.
By
David Brand
Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway is a haven for reckless driving. Mamdani isn't allowed to fix it.
By
Stephen Nessen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .