Language
Country/Area
No result found
The hidden risks of needle use: Why does sharing needles lead to infectious diseases?
With the development of modern medical technology, injections have become the basis of many therapies, such as intravenous (IV) injections. However, many people use injectable drugs on their own without the guidance of a medical professional, exposing millions of people to various health risks. According to 2004 data, more than 13.2 million people worldwide self-injected, 22% of whom were in developed countries. Against this backdrop, the risks of needle sharing are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in terms of the spread of infectious diseases.
"Injection allows people to feel the effects of the drug quickly, but it also comes with extremely high risks."
Risks of injectable drugs
The primary risk of injectable drugs is overdose, especially for non-professionals. In addition, injection may cause local vascular damage, such as pseudoaneurysm and intra-arterial injection, which can lead to serious consequences such as vascular rupture and bleeding.
If surviving drug users fail to clean the injection site effectively or share needles and other injecting equipment, they will increase the risk of infection. Studies have shown that sharing needles can lead to the spread of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, which are all health problems directly related to sharing needles.
How to inject the drug
Users typically dissolve the drug in water and inject it into the body using a syringe. This process seems simple, but the potential risks involved should not be underestimated. For example, using unsterile containers, such as the bottoms of cans, increases the risk of infection.
“Whether you are using drugs or injecting them, hygiene and cleanliness are key factors in preventing infectious diseases.”
Consequences of sharing injection equipment
In the absence of safe injection practices, the act of sharing needles pushes health risks to the limit. According to statistics, 30%-50% of people who inject drugs are unaware of their infection status, which increases the spread of infectious diseases in the community.
Additionally, repeated injections at the same site can lead to fibrin and infective endocarditis, which can lead to more complex health problems and even be life-threatening.
Harm Reduction Strategies
In response to the risks faced by intravenous users, many countries have promoted harm reduction public health measures. For example, needle exchange programs provide sterile needles and syringes and offer health screening and counseling services to injectors.
“Needle exchange programs not only provide syringes, but also provide hygiene screenings and mental health services, helping to reduce health risks in the overall community.”
Conclusion
As countries become more aware of the drug problem, more and more programs are aimed at limiting the spread of infectious diseases. However, we still need to explore how to more effectively protect public health without promoting drug use. How do you think we should balance this contradiction?
