intravenous drug use

a form of drug use in which the substance is injected directly into a vein with a hypodermic needle and syringe to speed up and maximize the effect. This typically involves self-administration of a psychoactive drug, often an opioid and especially heroin. Sharing or reusing needles or syringes increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting serious blood-borne infections, including hepatitis and HIV. See also needle exchange program.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

chemotherapy

n. the use of chemical agents to treat diseases, particularly cancer, in which case it is contrasted with radiation therapy. —chemotherapeutic adj. —chemotherapist n.