ACEP ID:
You were seen in the emergency department (ED) for injection drug use, a method for delivering substances into the body that involves a needle injection. We are concerned about your health, as people who use injected drugs are at risk of dependence and overdose, in addition to complications of injecting. For instance, injections can cause deep skin infections, viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and allow bacteria to get into the blood and infect the heart, lungs, or spine. Many people want support to stop their drug use, and we want to help in whatever way we can.
Steps to take at home:
New clean needles, rubbing alcohol swabs, and sterile mixing water can be obtained through syringe exchange programs (SEPs) or sterile syringe programs (SSPs). The following resources can help you find support services for substance use in your area:
Please speak to your doctor or come back to the ED for new symptoms, such as fever (100.4°F or higher), chest pain, shortness of breath, painful redness and swelling at the site of an injection, pain over your spine, or any other new concerns. Please review medication inserts for side effects and call the ED if you have any questions about the medications or care you received.