[Chief health risks associated with intravenous heroin and cocaine abuse]

THREE CATEGORIES OF COMPLICATIONS: Heroine and cocaine are the main drugs used by injecting drug-users (IDU) in France. There are three categories of complications associated with intravenous drug abuse: effects related to drug toxicity, effects associated with the administration route, and effects associated with social implications of drug-dependence. OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS: The impact of HIV infection among IDU, particularly in southern Europe, has led to renewed interest in the other health problems raised by this population. A review of recent literature shows that cocaine toxicity is better understood than heroine toxicity. In addition, intravenous drug abuse can lead to a whole series of disease states related to trauma or infection.