Intravenous drug use refers to injecting a needle into a vein to deliver a substance through the bloodstream. Injecting substances brings about the effects of a drug more quickly than other administration methods. Injections often contain a higher drug concentration, creating a fast and potent high. There are many substances that a person can administer through IV injections, including:
Cocaine
Heroin
Opioids, such as fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine
Methamphetamine
Ketamine
Prescription stimulants, such as Adderall
PCP
While the goal is to reach the vein to deliver the substance, people often miss and inject the substance into their muscles instead. Even if a person misses their veins, they can still feel the effects of the drug through intramuscular injection. Regardless of whether the drug is injected into the muscle or veins, a person can cause significant damage to their body by choosing to administer substances this way.