Final answer:
The most common complication associated with IV drug abuse is Hepatitis C infection due to the sharing of needles, which also brings about the risk of other infections and long-term health issues. Complications from the actual drugs include respiratory depression, hypertension, and constipation. Methadone can be used to help treat heroin addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common complication associated with IV drug abuse is Hepatitis C infection. The risks of IV drug use extend beyond the immediate side effects of the drugs themselves to include a high likelihood of contracting blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis C. Sharing of needles or other drug paraphernalia significantly increases the risk of transmission of this virus, which affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Other complications from IV drug abuse can include respiratory depression, hypertension, and constipation. These are more immediate effects of the drugs, whereas Hepatitis C is an infectious complication that can have long-term health impacts. Drug dependence can lead to tolerance, which occurs when more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect, and if drug use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
A person with a heroin addiction might be prescribed methadone, which is a psychoactive drug, as part of a treatment plan. Methadone can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings, making it easier for the person to stop using heroin and participate in rehabilitation.