Drugs are injected into the body using a hollow hypodermic needle to deliver the drug directly into the bloodstream or other tissues. This method allows for rapid absorption and effect compared to oral administration.
Methods of Drug Injection
There are three primary routes of injection:
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Intravenous (IV): This involves injecting the drug directly into a vein. This method delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, resulting in the fastest absorption and effect. Examples include injecting heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription opioids (as noted in the Minnesota Department of Health resource). This is often referred to as "shooting up".
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Intramuscular (IM): The drug is injected into a muscle. Absorption is slower than IV injection but faster than subcutaneous injection. The muscle tissue provides a good blood supply, allowing for relatively quick uptake.
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Subcutaneous (SC): The drug is injected under the skin, into the fatty tissue. This method results in the slowest absorption rate of the three.
Risks Associated with Injection Drug Use
Injection drug use carries significant risks, including:
- Infectious diseases: Sharing needles can transmit diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C (as detailed by the CDC and WHO).
- Overdose: The rapid absorption of intravenous injection can increase the risk of overdose.
- Local complications: Injection site infections, abscesses, and scarring are possible.
- Systemic complications: Various systemic complications can arise depending on the drug injected.
The information provided by the Merck Manual highlights that each drug administration route has advantages and disadvantages, emphasizing that IV injection offers the quickest onset of action. The provided articles on safer injection practices underscore the importance of proper equipment and technique to mitigate risks. While weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are also administered via injection, the method and associated risks differ from those associated with injecting illicit substances.
