What are the Signs of IV Drug Use?
If you’re wondering if your friend or loved one is shooting up, there are some common signs to look for. Knowing what these signs are will enable you to encourage your friend to get help if necessary.
Scarring And Needle Tracks
Most people who use IV drugs will eventually develop scarring in their veins. Frequently these will last for as many as 5 years after you get sober. These are referred to as “pop scars” because of their round or oval shape. When permanent, they can stigmatize you for the rest of your life.
Skin Issues
This is one of the most common problems those who use IV drugs suffer from. The likelihood of developing skin issues is even higher if the drug you inject isn’t pure or if it’s laced with other drugs. These skin issues include scarring, swelling, abscesses, and cellulitis.
Puffy Hand Syndrome
Those who’ve used IV drugs for long periods may get a swollen hand after they’ve shot up. When left untreated the swelling may become permanent. Fortunately, not many IV drug users develop this issue, but if you notice this occurring, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately so that it doesn’t become permanent.
Necrotizing Fasciitis
This is another rare but life-threatening issue. It’s caused by a bacterial infection in the soft tissue of your skin. Although it looks like cellulitis it’s much more serious because you’ll also have a fever, severe pain, nausea, and dizziness. To prevent this infection from spreading surgery is required.
Vein Problems
Another common complication IV drug users face has to do with their veins. This is because when you repeatedly inject drugs into your veins they will eventually collapse, and you may also develop life-threatening blood clots. Without treatment, your collapsed veins may be permanent.
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The Most Serious IV Drug Use Risks
Misusing drugs is dangerous, but IV drugs frequently result in severe health issues. This is especially true if you share or reuse needles since this allows germs and bacteria to spread easily. When you inject a contaminated needle into your skin it introduces bacteria directly into your bloodstream.
If you get sick from a contaminated needle or develop an abscess due to one, this is commonly referred to as a “dirty hit.” Some of the reasons you may get a dirty hit include:
- Using dirty water to dissolve your drugs
- Chemicals in the cigarette filter you used to filter your shot
- Contaminants in the drugs themselves
- Not cleaning your skin properly before injecting the drugs
Abscesses And Cutaneous Infections
At some point, most IV drug users experience abscesses and infections related to IV drug usage. This is because most drugs contain at least one pathogen (e.g., bacteria, fungi). When you combine these substances with non-sterile needles and poor hygiene the risk grows even higher. While you may try to sterilize your needle and clean your skin before using it, you still can’t prevent the contaminants’ effects.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis and heart problems are also fairly common. Endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the interior lining of your heart. It occurs when you repeatedly abuse IV drugs because these substances tend to drain into the right side of your heart. Therefore the valves on the right side of your heart may develop this condition. When it’s left untreated it may damage or destroy your heart valves, resulting in life-threatening complications.
Hepatitis C
The spread of Hepatitis C is caused by using IV drugs. This is a viral infection. During its early stages, it’s difficult to diagnose. However, 6 months to 10 years after developing it symptoms become more apparent. The most serious symptom is liver inflammation.
Bacterial Infections and Viral Bacteremia
Cellulitis is quite common for those who use IV drugs. It’s caused by bacteria (e.g., streptococcal) and fungi. Symptoms include red streaking, inflammation, tenderness, and pain. When left untreated it can result in serious health issues.
Septic Thrombophlebitis
When you have an infected blood clot that’s left untreated it’ll cause septic thrombophlebitis in your vein. This is very dangerous, even life-threatening. Symptoms range from tenderness and inflammation to pus draining from the clot. You’ll need antibiotics to treat this properly. The earlier you get them, the more effective they’ll be and the less likely you’ll develop more serious medical complications.
Cotton Fever
Cotton fever and contaminant injection are interrelated. It occurs when you use cotton while shooting up. Unfortunately, the cotton plant contains bacteria that then enter your body causing you to have a fever, headache, chills, nausea, extreme pain, a burning sensation in your kidneys, tremors, anxiety, and trouble breathing. Typically, this happens within 20 minutes of shooting up.
What are Ways of Reducing Harm for IV Users?
There are many policies, programs, and practices being discussed regarding harm reduction. The concept behind them is to diminish the harmful effects of drug use. This is because it’s understood that people will continue abusing substances regardless of any prevention effort.
For IV drug users the number one harm reduction tactic being used is needle exchange programs or NEP (a.k.a., syringe services programs SSP, needle-syringe programs NSP). These community-based programs offer free sterile needles in exchange for the used needles that they then properly dispose of. The program aims to significantly reduce the risks associated with IV drug use.