Using drugs may alter judgment, lower inhibitions and can increase risky behaviors. Having unprotected sex, injecting drugs, or sharing “works” can transmit infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C, endocarditis, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections.

Symptoms can go undetected, but may include:

• Fever
• Rash/itching
• Chills or night sweats
• Fatigue/muscle aches
• Hair Loss
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes)
• Easily bruising/bleeding
• Dark-colored urine, light-colored stools
• Abdominal pain/swelling
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Nausea/diarrhea
• Sores or bumps on genitals, sometimes painless
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat/mouth ulcers