Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse and addiction. While all forms of substance use have the potential for serious harm, intravenous (IV) drug use has unique risks.
Track marks are a common sign of IV drug use. These physical marks may indicate someone is struggling with addiction to heroin or other injectable drugs.
This article will explore track marks. You will learn:
- What track marks look like
- The risks of IV drug use
- How to identify and treat IV drug abuse
- Where to find addiction treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Solutions Healthcare offers comprehensive treatment, support, and resources to empower people in recovery. Contact our intake specialists today to learn about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What are Track Marks?
Track marks are small puncture wounds that may indicate frequent injections of drugs. They are a physical sign of drug use. People may refer to them as “heroin tracks” or “heroin track marks.” However, people may have track marks from injecting any drug.
Some of the most commonly injected drugs include:
- Prescription opioids
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Meth
- Prescription stimulants
- Morphine
- Prescription opioids
Repeated injections of these and other drugs can leave scars, scabs, and marks at the injection site. IV drug users may choose to inject into the same areas of the body, increasing the risk of creating tracks.
In addition to these marks, people who inject drugs may also have scar tissue, lesions, infections, and other problems. It is critical to seek treatment as quickly as possible if you notice signs of IV drug use.
What Do Track Marks Look Like?
Track marks may have different appearances. They may look like:
- Discolored areas of the skin
- Open wounds
- Puncture marks
- Bruising
- Scabs
People who use IV drugs may inject into the same veins or areas of the body. Track marks may be most common on easily-accessible areas of the body, including:
- Hands
- Arms
- Feet
However, repeatedly injecting into an area may lead to collapsed veins, forcing people to choose new areas. You may see track marks on the upper arms, thighs, calves, or elsewhere.
Repeated injection into the same areas of the body can prevent wounds from healing. This increases the risk of serious infections, scarring, and other problems. These conditions may require medical treatment to avoid serious health complications.
Healing track marks is only one aspect of overcoming IV drug use. Heroin addiction and other forms of IV drug use require intensive, comprehensive treatment and continuing support. Reach out to the Solutions Healthcare team to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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Understanding the Risks of IV Drug Use
All substance abuse has the potential for life-threatening complications. However, IV drug use has unique risks and side effects.
First, IV drug use introduces addictive substances into the bloodstream directly. This puts people at higher risk of overdose and increases the risk of addiction.
Injecting drugs can also cause serious physical damage around the injection site. Some of the most significant injection site risks of IV drug use include:
- Collapsed vein
- Restricted blood flow to areas of the body
- Bruising
- Abscesses
- Infections
- Ulcers
- Blood clots
- Permanent damage to the veins
- Scars
People who use intravenous drugs may engage in risk behaviors, including sharing needles. This puts people at increased risk of contracting bloodborne infections, including:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
IV drug use can harm a person’s physical and mental health. It can also increase the risk of developing a life-threatening addiction.
Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of IV drug use. Contact the Solutions Healthcare team to explore your treatment options.
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Recognizing IV Drug Use
IV drug use can change a person’s mood, thoughts, appearance, behaviors, and more. Recognizing the signs of IV drug use can help you seek treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Signs of IV drug abuse include:
- Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather (to hide track marks)
- Increased isolation
- Finding items related to IV drug use, like spoons, tourniquets, needles, or syringes
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Dishonest or sneaky behaviors
- Neglected hygiene
- New legal, financial, or social trouble
- Falling behind at work or school, or neglecting household responsibilities
- Sudden weight loss or other changes in appearance
Treatment for IV drug use includes medical detox programs, mental health care, counseling, holistic therapies, education, and other evidence-based therapies. Contact the Solutions Healthcare specialists to learn more about recognizing or treating IV drug abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Overcoming IV drug use can be challenging, but having comprehensive treatment and support makes it possible.
Solutions Healthcare offers high-quality treatment and recovery support programs. Contact our intake team today to find the care, treatment, and resources you need. Learn about your treatment options or schedule your first appointment by reaching out now.
References
- National Institute of Health (NIH): “They look at us like junkies”: influences of drug use stigma on the healthcare engagement of people who inject drugs in New York City
- NIH: Epidemiology of Injection Drug Use
- NIH: The physical health of people who inject drugs: complexities, challenges, and continuity
