Injection drug abuse involves the use
of needles to inject substances such as
heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine,
or other drugs into the bloodstream.
The behaviors associated with injection
drug use, such as reusing and sharing
needles, can increase the user’s risk
for contracting and spreading bloodborne
infections such as herpes
simplex, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).1
Substance abuse treatment providers can
play a significant role in reducing injection
drug use and the transmission of infectious
diseases. Monitoring trends in injection
drug use treatment admissions may help
public health officials and treatment
providers to identify emerging patterns
and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies
aimed at reducing this high-risk behavior.