Often the medics would apply the IV anyway, but his conclusions were that taking water generally was better than the IV and led to more rapid recovery. Of course there are those cases where the condition is truly life threatening, but for the rest, if possible try drinking cold water first. Just For What its Worth. Matt Mahoney An IV contains water, salt, potassium, and glucose. All of these ingredients are found in foods.
None are addictive.
It shouldn't make any difference whether you get them through the stomach or a vein in the arm. This was several years ago before I figured out that the best thing to eat in long endurance events to prevent nausea is regular food instead of liquid carbos. I did not suffer any withdrawl symptoms after getting an IV and I never needed one after an ultra. You do feel better fast after an IV, but I would still prefer not to need one in the first place. You'd better IV if you're clinically dehydrated.