IV drug use - quick stats
More Information About Injection Drug Use
- There are more than 300,000 injection drug users in the United States known to have HIV.
- Many other users are not aware that they carry the virus.
- HIV and Hep C co-infection is common among injection drug users.
- HIV and Hep C can be passed not just by a used needle, but also by cotton, cookers, and the water used to clean the needle with.
- Using drugs can impair judgment concerning safer sex.
- Even one unsafe injection can possibly infect a person with HIV and/or Hep C.
A Note on Getting Tested for HIV and/or Hep C
The average time it takes for signs of HIV to show up on an HIV-antibody test is 3 months. Hep C can take up to 6 months to show up on a Hep C test. If you think you may have been exposed to either HIV or Hep C as an injection drug user, please realize that unless the 3/6-month time periods have passed, your tests will not accurately reflect your status.
Ways to be Safe When You Inject
- ALWAYS use a clean or new needle every time you inject.
- ALWAYS use clean works every time you inject.
- NEVER share needles or works with other injectors.
- ALWAYS carry condoms with you if sex is part of your drug use ritual.
Services Available Through NCAP
- FREE HIV testing
- FREE Hep C testing
- FREE safe injection kits
- FREE one-on-one counseling
- FREE information and referrals
