What common condition may develop in patients who inject opioids?

Patients who inject opioids frequently develop scarred veins and "track marks." This condition arises from repeated puncturing of veins, which can cause damage to the blood vessels. The process of injecting substances can lead to inflammation, bruising, and scarring of the tissue surrounding veins, leading to visible marks on the skin. Over time, chronic use can make it increasingly difficult to find suitable veins for injections, prompting users to inject in less conventional sites, which can further exacerbate the condition.

In contrast, while pulmonary disease and respiratory issues are significant concerns related to opioid use, particularly in terms of overdose and long-term pulmonary health, they are not uniquely attributed to injection. Chronic headaches may occur for various reasons, including withdrawal symptoms, but they do not specifically arise from the act of injecting opioids. Therefore, the development of scarred veins and "track marks" stands out as a direct and common consequence of repeated opioid injection.