Intravenous drug use allows the brain to receive the injected drug quicker than other methods, such as snorting or oral intake. This often offers an advantage for drug users, leading to enhanced sensations or a "rush" from rapid onset of the drug entering the body. However, complications from IV drug use can lead to risks for medical complications or life-threatening situations. The Centers for Disease Control reports injection drug use is associated with a higher risk for transmission of blood-borne infections, among other complications.
Skin Infections
According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, skin and soft tissue bacterial infections commonly occur as a result of IV drug use. Frequent penetration of the skin often leads to leakage of drugs out of the vein into the body, causing toxicity to the tissues and the possibility of an increase in bacteria accumulation on the skin surface. This results in conditions such as swelling of the injection site, potential abscesses or skin ulcers. Rare but life-threatening skin complications such as necrotising fasciitis, which causes swollen tender skin, pain or amputation, may occur as a result of IV drug use.
Cardiac and Vascular Complications
Contaminated drugs and nonsterile injection techniques may cause serious or life-threatening cardiac and vascular complications, according to the American Journal of Roentgenology. Endocarditis, a cardiac complication, refers to an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Bacteria from injecting drugs may spread to this part of the body due to contamination in the bloodstream. Vascular complications such as mycotic aneurysm, a dilation of blood vessel walls due to bacteria, is another risk from injection of drugs.
Overdose
Overdose from injecting drugs directly into the bloodstream may also occur during IV drug use. The inability to gauge how much of the drug may enter the body upon injection primarily leads to overdose. Drug overdose can occur accidentally or intentionally and often ends up as a life-threatening complication of IV drug use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, overdose that does not end in death may lead to severe kidney failure, requiring long-term medical intervention.
