Description
Intravenous (IV) drug abuse can result in many adverse effects including: psychosis, depression, infection, heart disease, loss of job, or death. Depending on the drug being abused, there can be significant withdrawal symptoms. Many patients with this disorder share needles and are at risk for HIV infection, hepatitis, and serious bacterial infections.
Symptoms
Depends on the drug being injected and the health of the person abusing the drug.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Work-up depends on the symptoms being experienced. Blood and urine tests may be recommended to identify the drugs used and imaging tests (such as a chest x-ray or cardiac ultrasound) may be ordered to assess heart or lung infections.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Work-up depends on the symptoms being experienced. Blood and urine tests may be recommended to identify the drugs used and imaging tests (such as a chest x-ray or cardiac ultrasound) may be ordered to assess heart or lung infections.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at treating specific adverse effects of the intravenous drug use, and preventing recurrence of the drug use. Treatment may include: antibiotics, counseling, and medications for withdrawal.