Intravenous drug use

Intravenous drug use refers to the administration of substances directly into a vein through a syringe. This method of drug delivery is commonly used in medical settings for the rapid effect of medications. However, it is also a route of administration used by individuals consuming illicit drugs, which poses significant health risks, including infection and overdose.

Health Risks

Intravenous drug use increases the risk of several health issues, including:

• Infectious diseases: Sharing needles can lead to the transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves that can be life-threatening.
• Vein damage and thrombophlebitis: Repeated injections can damage veins and lead to inflammation.
• Increased risk of overdose: Intravenous administration bypasses the body's natural filtering mechanisms, increasing the risk of overdose.

Prevention and Treatment

Efforts to mitigate the risks associated with intravenous drug use include:

• Needle exchange programs: These programs provide clean needles to users to reduce the spread of infections.
• Drug treatment programs: Programs aimed at treating drug dependency can help reduce the use of intravenous drugs.
• Safe injection sites: Supervised spaces where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision to reduce the risk of overdose and infection.

Legal and Social Implications

Intravenous drug use is often associated with legal and social issues, including criminalization and stigma. These factors can affect individuals' willingness to seek help for drug dependency or health issues arising from drug use.

See Also

• Substance abuse
• Opioid epidemic
• Harm reduction