Surviving and Thriving

Junkies and speedfreaks of San Francisco, don’t share needles, 1980s

Drug users faced a powerful stigma as a group that willingly engaged in behavior perceived as dangerous and deadly. In calling these groups by their common insults, “junkies and speedfreaks,” this prevention poster was honest about what kept people healthy. Curbing drug use might have been impossible, but not sharing needles, represented here by the red “I” in AIDS, would have a tremendous harm-reducing effect.

• Publisher(s):

  Haight Ashury Free Medical Clinic

• Type:

  Poster