Effects of IV Drug Abuse

Drugs that are injected into the veins ("intravenous," or "IV" drugs) can cause significant health effects, and are a concern for public health as well due to the potential for spreading certain infectious diseases. The effects of injected drugs depend on the type of drug, the frequency of use and certain personal behaviors while injecting. Consider these facts on the effects of intravenous drug abuse from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Skin Infections

• The process of injecting drugs into the body can cause skin infections from bacteria that can get into punctures and wounds caused by needles.

Mental Changes

• Injected stimulants such as amphetamines can cause irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, paranoia and panic attacks.

Cardiac

• Cardiac effects of injected drugs include sudden changes in heart rate, and blood pressure that can cause cardiac arrest, stroke or other life-threatening complications.

Digestive

• Drugs such as morphine and heroin can cause digestive effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and constipation.

Respiratory

• Shortness of breath, lowered breathing rates and respiratory arrest may result from injecting drugs such as morphine or barbiturates.

Neurological

• Neurological effects of injected drugs may range from mild behavioral and mood changes to life-threatening seizures or strokes.

Infectious Diseases

• Infections with the hepatitis B or C viruses can result from contaminated injection supplies, and result in liver damage and cancer.