Intravenous (IV) drug use involves using a needle to inject a substance into your veins. Many people begin using drugs intravenously because this method of administration produces rapid and heightened effects. The effects of IV drug use are more potent than smoking, snorting, or swallowing because the drugs bypass the first stage of metabolism, releasing the substance into your bloodstream immediately.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 11 million people inject drugs globally.[1] Unfortunately, IV drug use is extremely dangerous, putting individuals at risk of experiencing fatal overdoses and developing blood-borne diseases like HIV or hepatitis. Because of the dangers associated with this type of substance abuse, you need to be aware of the signs of IV drug use.
The six most common signs of IV drug abuse include:
1. Needle Marks or “Track Marks”
When someone is injecting drugs, there will be physical evidence on their body. The first and most obvious sign of intravenous drug use is needle marks, also known as track marks. Track marks look like small elongated red or dark spots or small bruises surrounding a small hole that stems from injecting a needle into your skin. These needle marks are the easiest way to tell if someone is abusing drugs intravenously.
The most common place for needle marks is located in the inner elbow, but it is important to note that some individuals inject drugs into areas of their bodies that are not visible when they are wearing clothes. For example, someone may inject the substance into their feet, in between their toes, or on their legs to hide the needle marks left behind.
2. Unseasonable Clothing
During the summer months, many people take advantage of the warm weather by wearing tank tops or shorts. If you notice that your loved one is wearing long sleeve shirts or long pants when it is hot outside, they could be attempting to conceal needle marks and other signs of IV drug use. Of course, you should look out for other signs of drug abuse (i.e. changes in mood, sudden weight loss, signs of intoxication) before assuming they are suffering from an addiction.
3. Collapsed Veins
Another physical sign of IV drug use is collapsed veins. Your veins transport the blood in your body from one area to another to keep you healthy. If you are injecting drugs intravenously, your veins may collapse and become unable to transport blood effectively.[2]
The common signs of a collapsed vein are discoloration of the skin, tenderness, and swelling. If you notice large bruises and swelling near a loved one’s veins, they may be engaging in IV drug use.
4. Skin Infections
When people are addicted to injecting drugs, they tend to use the same injection site repeatedly. Over time, this can cause physical damage to their skin and veins. Because injection sites are open wounds, even just wearing the same article of clothing for multiple days can lead to an infection.
The most common skin infection to affect IV drug users is cellulitis. This is a type of infection that affects your skin and the tissue underneath.[3] If you notice redness, swelling, and pain that advances up the limb, you may be suffering from cellulitis stemming from IV drug use.
In addition to cellulitis, many IV drug users deal with abscesses.[3] These result from missing the vein and injecting it into the tissue surrounding the vein. If your loved one suffers from frequent abscesses in their arms, they could be engaging in IV drug use.
5. Soot Tattoos
Another telltale sign of IV drug abuse is known as “soot tattoos.” People who inject drugs often use a lighter to sterilize their needles before injecting. When they inject the needle into their skin, the soot left behind on the needle may leave dark marks underneath their skin which can darken over time.[4]
6. Drug Paraphernalia
Intravenous drug abuse tends to require a lot of tools. These “tools” are referred to as drug paraphernalia. If you are worried that your loved one is addicted to drugs, you should look out for the drug paraphernalia associated with intravenous substance abuse.
The drug paraphernalia associated with IV drug use includes:
- Needles and syringes
- Spoons, typically with burn marks on the bottom
- Cotton balls
- Butane (torch) lighters
Spoons are typically used to melt substances into a liquid. The substance is placed on the spoon and then a butane torch lighter is placed underneath the spoon to melt down the liquid. Cotton balls are often used as a filter, allowing the substance to pass through the cotton ball before filling the syringe.
Find Help for IV Drug Abuse and Addiction Today
If you or a loved one suffer from IV drug use, recovery is possible. Whether you are injecting heroin, crack, or methamphetamine, attending a professional drug rehab program can help you regain control of your life. Drug rehab facilities like ARISE Treatment Center will provide you with a combination of tools, treatments, and support that teach you how to maintain long-term sobriety and live a productive life.
To learn more about our California drug abuse recovery program, contact our qualified admissions specialists today.
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