Transcript IV drug use

9.ATOD.1.4
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Explain intravenous drug use and the possible
risks
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Review common bloodborne diseases and
possible complications
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List ways to reduce risks associated with
intravenous drug use
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Injection of a substance into a vein using
a needle and syringe
The problem:
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Potential exposure to bloodborne
pathogens from shared needles,
syringes, and other drug injection
paraphernalia
Includes drugs like cocaine, heroin,
methamphetamine, and steroids
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Microorganisms found in human blood that
are “pathogenic” (are capable of causing
disease in humans).
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These pathogens include hepatitis B virus
(HBV), hepatitis C (HBC), and
human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV).
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HIV, HBV, and HBC are viruses which can be
transmitted through different modes,
including IV drug use.
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Following are some effects
of these bloodborne
pathogens…
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Short-term
 Loss of appetite
 Malaise (feeling of ill
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health)
Fatigue (feeling tired all
the time)
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Jaundice (yellowing of
the skin and eyes)
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Long-term
 Infection
 Cirrhosis (scarring) of the
liver
 Liver cancer
 Liver failure
 Death
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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)
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Long-term
 Infection
 Cirrhosis (scarring) of the
liver
 Liver cancer
 Liver failure
 Death
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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
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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.