In the last 10 years, the number of opioid addictions beginning with heroin went from 8. This means that one-third of all opioid addictions started with using heroin. Considering how prevalent opioid addiction is, heroin is a major contributor to the aptly named opioid crisis. Injecting drugs is a delivery method often used for an instant rush. This method is associated with heroin but can be used for other drugs, including cocaine, meth, ecstasy, ketamine, PCP, and other opioids.
IV drug use is a known predictor of addiction. Catching addiction early makes for a successful recovery. So if you suspect your loved one is abusing drugs, read on. IV drug use is prevalent because of the quick-acting effects and a very intense high.
However, it carries significant risk. Almost one-third of people who inject drugs share syringes. Sharing syringes raises the risk of HIV, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases. This leaves people who inject drugs vulnerable to accidental overdose.
Injection drug use has also been associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and subsequent suicide attempts. Combining the risks of disease, overdose, and suicide, people who inject drugs are at a significantly higher risk of death. Track marks look like small holes in the skin and are often the clearest drug addiction signs. They can appear in any stage of healing.
In the beginning, the small punctures look bright red or pink. A scab will form over the puncture, followed by scars. Old track marks look like white or pale pink healed scars. The vein itself can sometimes scar too. In these cases, the vein will look darker than normal. The track marks can also be accompanied by dark bruising, so after frequent shooting up the whole area can look bruised and dark. Poor healing and wound care is a contributor to track marks.
Often, dull or dirty needles are used to inject, which increases the chances of track marks and track mark scars. They can also introduce bacteria, resulting in infection:. Most frequently, they can be found on veins in the arms and hands of the person. In these areas, the veins are very visible and easy to inject into. Oftentimes, addicts will cover these areas with long-sleeved clothing to cover track marks and track mark scars. After the arms are full, sometimes they will move to the hands because the veins are also quite visible in these areas.
Veins in the legs and feet can also be chosen, especially after the veins in the arms and hands are too damaged or collapsed to use. The veins in the legs are more difficult to access, but the feet are often easy to inject into and cover-up afterward. However, in long-term users of IV drugs, the holes will likely be light pink or red to indicate recent sites of injection. In fact, many chronic heroin users develop marks along the length of their veins, so they may not even look like individual holes anymore.
In cases like this, skin infections and buildup of scar tissue are common byproducts of IV drug use. Once the track marks have permanently damaged the injection sites on their forearms, most heroin users will move to other areas, such as their neck, feet, hands, or groin.
As one of the tell-tale signs of heroin use, people often wonder if track marks are dangerous. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Not only do track marks signal a larger danger from IV drug use, but they present significant danger in and of themselves. These harmful health risks include:.
As you can see, track marks do much more than cosmetic damage. Of course, many IV drug users go to great lengths to hide these injection scars. In cases like this, you may need to look for other signs that your loved one uses intravenous drugs. Even if you have not seen track marks on your loved one, they could still be injecting drugs like heroin , cocaine , or methamphetamine.
Here are some of the signs to watch out for:. If you suspect that your loved one is addicted to IV drugs, you may want to confront them about it immediately. Getting a tan will not lessen the appearance of your track marks. The best way to heal your track marks the quickest is to stop using drugs intravenously. By continuing use, you are only compounding the problem. At Evoke Wellness FL , we offer many treatment programs that can put you on the path to sobriety.
We understand that the treatment process can be difficult at times. At Evoke Wellness Florida, we are committed to assisting you in making progress towards a new life free from the grips of addiction.
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If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call immediately. Begin Healing, Call Now: What Can be Used for Quicker Healing of IV Track Marks A track mark is an area of skin that is discolored along your vein that has been damaged due to injecting drugs like heroin or meth intravenously.
Quicker Healing of Track Marks Track marks do not just automatically go away when you stop using drugs intravenously. Ready to Make a Change? For Confidential Help, Call:.
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