Authorities from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are distributing a flyer for heroine users that provides them with information on how to prepare their drugs and how to be careful in order to prevent infections.

Authorities argued that the flyer, which explains how to inject drugs into one's veins, was developed because "it shows the least harmful way" of taking drugs.

The flyer also offers information on HIV testing and warns of the dangers of sharing needles.

John P. Gilbride, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, described the flyer titled "Take Charge, Take Care" as "a step-by-step manual on how to inject oneself" and said the content was worrisome.

Nevertheless, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene defended the campaign, which has printed and distributed 70 thousand flyers.

A health official said the aim of the campaign is to promote health and save lives.