The article discusses the rising trend of intravenous drug use in the U.S., highlighting a phenomenon known as the 'needle barrier' that historically limited such practices among even drug users. Despite awareness of health risks, including overdose and infection, injection rates have surged amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. The behavior is particularly alarming among impaired medical professionals, who, despite strict training, may misuse drugs in unsafe conditions. Consequently, addiction progression among both general users and physicians is a significant concern, with brain imaging revealing diminished cognitive control in those affected.
Most people who inject drugs today understand the risks but have lost executive control. Brain imaging shows that people addicted to drugs have reduced cognitive functioning.”
A Journal of Addictive Diseases study found that self-injecting physicians reported awareness of injection risks but could not stop. The behavior underscores disease progression in addiction.”
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