9.ATOD.1.4

 Explain intravenous drug use and the possible risks  Review common bloodborne diseases and possible complications  List ways to reduce risks associated with intravenous drug use

 Injection of a substance into a vein using a needle and syringe The problem:  Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens from shared needles, syringes, and other drug injection paraphernalia  Includes drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and steroids

 Microorganisms found in human blood that are “pathogenic” (are capable of causing disease in humans).  These pathogens include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C (HBC), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

 HIV, HBV, and HBC are viruses which can be transmitted through different modes, including IV drug use.  Following are some effects of these bloodborne pathogens…

 Short-term  Loss of appetite  Malaise (feeling of ill- health)  Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)  Nausea and vomiting  Abdominal pain  Dark urine  Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)  Long-term  Infection  Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver  Liver cancer  Liver failure  Death

 Short-term  Loss of appetite  Malaise (feeling of ill- health)  Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)  Nausea and vomiting  Abdominal pain  Dark urine  Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)  Long-term  Infection  Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver  Liver cancer  Liver failure  Death

 Rapid weight loss  Dry cough  Recurring fever or profuse night sweats  Profound and unexplained fatigue  Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck  Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week  White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat  Pneumonia  Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids  Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders  Death

 Don’t use injection drugs (except for prescribed medication).  Don’t share needles, syringes or “works.”  Educate others about the risks associated with intravenous drugs.  Become an advocate for others in your community.