The state of the art on needle fixation research

ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this article is to provide a complete and updated review on the international literature about the modern concept of needle fixation, related phenomena and important consequences of its manifestation.

Method

A search was undertaken looking at every source about needle fixation from its first complete and accepted definition.

Results

There is an important and updated scientific literature about the existence and the clinical weight of the phenomenon. This kind of behavior has gained social, scientific and clinical interest. Many researchers and clinicians have reported cases, described courses, proposed solutions and treatments.

Conclusions

The existence of needle fixation may promote drug seeking and maintain addiction for longer, seriously hinder the treatment of drug injectors regardless of the substance involved, and increase the risk of relapse; it can complicate the clinical picture with side effects.

KEYWORDS:

• Needle fixation
• compulsive injecting behavior
• non-substance addiction

Aknowledgement

I desire to thank prof. Richard Pates for his constant help, professional support and generous suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.