If you're 'Shafting' your drugs be prepared (in more ways than one) and get yourself the right equipment. You need to have your own supply of sterile 2.5ml (3ml) or 5ml syringe barrels, a steady hand and some lubricant. These are usually available through your local needle syringe program or contact your local drug user group (AIVL Member Organisation). Compared to injecting, shafting your drugs reduces your risk of Hep C transmission.

Up Your Bum or Shafting is a self-administered speed solution enema. To do this correctly and avoid unnecessary harm, do not use the pick (or needle) part of the syringe during this process. The drug is prepared in a syringe, as if to be injected, but the pick (or needle) is removed and drawn up from a spoon or deal bag into a 2.5ml (3ml) or 5ml barrel.

If needles are given out with the syringe barrel they should only be used to draw up then disposed of correctly prior to shafting.

The barrel is lubricated and then inserted through the anus, and the liquid is squirted into the bottom third of the rectum. Due to the rich blood supply in this area, absorption is very fast offering a degree of 'rush' without significant risk of blood-to-blood contact. With a bit of lube and your own shafting technique you should begin to feel the effects some 15 or 20 minutes after you've completed shafting.

The blood vessels and tissues lining the rectum will readily absorb drugs into the bloodstream. This can cause damage to the mucous membranes, burning or tearing of rectal tissues and is a high risk activity for BBV transmission - so make sure you keep using condoms every time you have sex, especially if it's anal.

This technique will have a laxative effect if there is repeated use in one session.

Wash your hands properly with soap and hot water immediately following the procedure.