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Healthy while Homeless
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  1. Addiction

IV Drug Use

PreviousDrug OverdoseNextResources for addicts

Last updated 3 years ago

Using IV drugs, especially when you're sharing needles, can be especially risky. Here are some risks of IV drugs and sharing needles:

  • Skin infections and abscesses

  • Blood infections from improperly cleaning the injection site before use

  • Infections of the heart and lungs

  • Blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis

The best way to reduce these risks is to stop using IV drugs. If that's not possible for you right now, making sure that you consistently use a clean needle will reduce your chances of getting some diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. California does have several options to help you dispose of your used needles and get clean ones:

  • Syringe exchange programs (SEPs, also known as syringe services programs)

    • For a complete list of programs, visit

  • Nonprescription syringe sale in pharmacies

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/OA_prev_sepdirectory.aspx