JUNKIES IN PRINT

Quebec injection-drug users now have a magazine of their own, thanks
to the efforts of three Montreal needle-exchange centres. The first
issue of L' Injecteur, a quarterly, was published earlier this month,
with another set for publication in late May.

"This is a magazine by users for users," says L'Injecteur's
coordinator and editor-in-chief Veronique Houle. Three reporters, aged
between 21 and 29, write the bulk of the stories, although submissions
from other users, such as drawings or poetry, can be accepted. A
professional graphic designer helps with the layout in the office
space of needle-exchange centre Cactus.

Houle says it is important to keep the tone of the paper honest,
without drowning in self-pity. "We aren't writing about these people
as victims," she says.

While the inaugural issue does tend to emphasize younger users, Houle
says future issues will look at addiction from other perspectives. "We
have a lot of links with jails, so we'll be going inside to get work
from prisoners."

L'Injecteur is available province-wide at needle-exchange sites,
clinics and elsewhere.