If you do develop an infection, you’re likely to have many of the more common symptoms. These can include:

• Increased swelling around the injection site
• Pain, redness and warmth in that area
• Red streaks that come from the area
• Pus drainage
• A low or high-grade fever

You could also develop some more serious signs that indicate a specific infection. For example, you could begin having chest pain, seizures, or breathing problems.

When IV drug abusers repeatedly inject drugs, collapsed veins become fairly common. Their veins simply cannot continue to handle this type of drug use. When they do occur, the following symptoms are likely:

• Cold hands and feet because they are losing circulation
• A sharp pain at the site of the injection
• The area becomes black and blue
• Intense itching at the injection site
• Swelling at the site

“I Shot Up and Missed”: What to do if You Miss a Vein While Shooting Up

Missing a vein while slamming IV drugs is something that occurs pretty frequently. It’s very easy to miss veins; especially when you’re not a trained medical professional. It can even happen to someone who has been using IV substances for years.

If this happens to you, you need to pull back. Don’t try to inject again, or use the drugs with another method. This could inadvertently lead to an overdose. You should place a cold compress over the area and assess how you’re feeling. If you’re worried, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

In most cases, you’ll probably develop an abscess or infection at the injection site. If so, you’ll need to get medical treatment. If you develop any of the above signs of infection, these are signs you need to see a doctor.

As you are probably aware, IV drug use is dangerous. Every time someone uses substances in this manner, they’re taking their life in their hands. Even so, the need to use is much greater than the risks involved.

Even the most experienced drug user runs the risk of overdosing with every use of these substances. The risk of infection is great because it only takes a small amount of bacteria to cause a problem. There are long-term health risks associated with injecting drugs as well. HIV is a common infection that is spread this way.

Of course, the most obvious danger is the risk of addiction. People who inject drugs are very likely to become addicted to them very quickly. Once they’re addicted, stopping on their own is nearly impossible.

Denial is incredibly damaging when someone suffers from an addiction. However, most addicts will live in denial for years. They fully believe that addiction is something that happens to other people. It could never happen to them. Perhaps this is a way of thinking that you’re familiar with too.

The truth is that you need to know and understand your relationship with IV drugs. If you’re an addict, acting quickly is the best way to begin your recovery. If you put it off, your addiction will only grow stronger. It will never simply go away or get better on its own. It might help you to know what the signs of addiction to intravenous drugs are. They include:

• The presence of track marks in various places on the skin
• Constricted pupils, even when the light is dim
• Becoming obsessed with using these substances
• Stealing money in order to afford intravenous substances
• Chronic fatigue and “nodding off”
• Losing a lot of weight
• Skin that takes on a pale color
• Digestive problems
• Dental issues

Do you have any of these signs of an IV drug addiction? If you do, then you are most likely an addict in need of help to recover.

If you’re still not sure, you could try taking a quiz to learn more. This drug addiction quiz can be very informative, and it will help you understand what steps you should take next.

Drug detox can be done in a few different ways. For those who are using prescribed medications, they may be given the drug in tapered dosages over time. This allows their bodies to adjust to having less of the drug at a slow rate.

Additional medications may be given to help with withdrawal symptoms. However, if a holistic detox is chosen, these medications will be avoided. There are risks involved with medical detox. This is why it’s not the optimal solution for everyone. There is always the chance of developing a secondary addiction to the new medications.

ou can choose to go through withdrawal on your own. However, this method is never recommended. The chances of your being successful are very small. Most people only make it through a couple of days without their IV drugs before they suffer a relapse.

It’s much safer for you to work with professionals. They understand what it will take for you to recover safely. Their goal is to help you through every step of your journey.

Once you go to a needle drug rehab program, you’ll be introduced to staff and given an assessment. Most people receive a preliminary assessment over the phone. However, this in-person assessment is important during your intake.

After your assessment, you’ll meet with members of the medical team for an evaluation. If you have any health problems, these can be addressed and treated at this time. Very soon after this, your treatment will begin. For most people, this means starting drug detox.  

You’ll be guided every step of the way. After detox is completed, you’ll begin working on the psychological part of your addiction. This will involve regular therapy sessions with your counselor and group therapy. Other forms of therapy will also become a part of your treatment plan.

With so many different rehab centers, how do you know which one is right for you? It can be confusing to choose when you have so many options.

You will want to choose a treatment facility that’s accredited. This means that the quality of care is excellent. You’ll also want to find one that participates with your health insurance plan. This will drastically reduce your out of pocket costs.

Finally, opt for a center that gives each patient his or her own, unique treatment plan. Your addiction is very personal, and your treatment plan should be as well.