Medical complications are linked with routes of administration. Street heroin which is often cut with quinine, has vasodilator effects when given IV and may lead to tissue abcesses if administered subcutaneously. Heroin users have been found to have a higher incidence of infections, especially those associated with needle use. Dug use tends to reduce safe sex practices, which also increases the risk of contracting HIV.

    Other complications that are associated with opiate addiction include hepatitis B and C, peptic ulcer disease, arrhythmias, endocarditis, anemias, electrolyte abnormalities, bone and joint infections, kidney failure, muscle destruction, pneumonia, lung abscesses, tuberculosis, bronchospasm and wheezing, stroke, abnormal sexual function, and depression.