There are three major strains of hepatitis virus infection termed hepatitis A, virus
infection, hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis C virus infection. Drug and
alcohol use, abuse and dependence play an important role in both the transmission
of the virus from person to person as well as the severity of the liver disease
that can result from viral hepatitis infection.
Persons at high risk for infection can be protected by vaccination against hepatitis
A and hepatitis B. Hepatitis A, a self-limiting food borne pathogen, can induce
severe liver disease in drug users that are already infected with another hepatitis
virus. Hepatitis B, a sexually transmitted disease, is transmitted in drug users
who use stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, with multiple sex partners.
Injection drug use is the major source of hepatitis C infection in Western countries.
Treatment for hepatitis B infection and or hepatitis C infection is complex, difficult,
requires long term treatment and is most effective for individuals who are abstinent
from drug use. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption for person with viral
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