Those who participate in intravenous (IV) drug use are significantly more likely to have depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, serious infections, and other health problems.

But how can you tell if a family member or friend is shooting up? Are there any other telltale physical signs besides track marks?

You can rest assured that there are more ways than one to spot an IV drug user. The sooner you identify them, the sooner your loved one can start getting the help they need to recover.

We have outlined the 7 major signs of IV drug use you need to watch out for and the risks of not catching them early enough.

1. Abnormal Behavioral Changes

IV drug users can often experience sudden mood swings, irritability, anger, and depression. They can often act withdrawn and dismissive of activities and hobbies they used to enjoy.

They can suddenly start sleeping more than they normally would. You may begin to notice they are lying more frequently. These could be signs of IV drug use.

2. Physical Evidence Like Track Marks

IV drug users leave behind many pieces of physical evidence on their bodies that can help identify if they are using IV drugs. Track marks are the most well-known of these signs.

Track marks are the result of injecting a needle into the skin over and over again and the vascular tissue scarring underneath the injection site. They can look like bruising or even scars. When many people think of track marks, they picture the forearm and inner crease at the elbow.

However, track marks can be anywhere. They can be in between toes, between fingers, the neck, and any other place on the body where you can inject directly into a vein.

Other physical evidence includes ulcers or abscesses. These physical symptoms can start to swell and can quickly become infected if not treated right away.

It is common for IV drug users to share needles and syringes when shooting up. These can quickly lead to more serious bacterial infections, like different strains of hepatitis.

A high rate of IV drug users die from these infections because they go untreated or even unnoticed for so long.

3. They Start Wearing Unusual Clothes

Another sign of IV drug use is that they suddenly start wearing unusual clothes that do not match the weather. This could be suddenly wearing long sleeves or jackets during the hotter months. It could also look like someone refusing to take off their long sleeves despite the heat.

The reasoning for this is that the individual is trying to hide track marks and other skin abnormalities that come from heavy IV drug use.

4. They Have Drug Paraphernalia in Their Possession

Being in possession of different types of drug paraphernalia is often a clear sign of drug use. Types of drug paraphernalia that would indicate IV drug use can be needles, syringes, heating tools or lighters, pipes, and more.

Oftentimes, IV drug users will hide their equipment used for shooting up in kits, hollowed-out books, cosmetic cases, or other nondescript items.

If you suspect a family member is using IV drugs, be on the lookout for these items in their room, car, or bathroom. This could help you spot a serious problem sooner than later.

5. Experience Sudden Weight Loss

If a friend or family member suddenly has rapid and severe weight loss, it is possible that they are using IV drugs.

It is common for IV drug users to go on food binges. They can go for long periods of time without eating, causing dramatic drops in weight.

6. Trouble Sleeping During the Night

Just as some IV drug users can sleep longer than usual, many drug users have difficulty falling asleep at night. Insomnia is a commonly listed side effect of frequent IV drug use.

Drugs like heroin and meth affect your circadian rhythm and can make it difficult to fall asleep at appropriate times.

7. Financial Problems

Financial problems can be a symptom of many issues, but when combined with the symptoms listed above, it could mean they are struggling with a drug problem.

IV drug users can quickly burn through any savings or cash they have on hand and must continue to fuel their habit. Pay attention to any strange financial behavior or requests for loans or extra cash.

What Happens if You Miss The Signs of Shooting Up?

It is critical that you pay close attention to any of the signs of IV drug use listed above if you suspect a family member or loved one is shooting up with IV drugs. These symptoms of drug use are often cries for help.

Most often, it is someone close to the individual that identifies that there is a problem. Family members and friends are more likely to offer help or assistance than a co-worker or acquaintance.

Paying attention to these symptoms can mean the difference between helping a loved one get clean or not.

Connect With Us To Get Help For IV Drug Use Today

It is important to be aware of these major signs of IV drug use and shooting up. If you ever see tracks marks or other signs of IV drug use in a close friend or family member, you need to know who you can reach out to for help.

Here at the Rehab Recovery Center, we provide the assistance drug users need to get back on their feet. Our rehab services can help get both the user and the family on the road to recovery.