AIDS through drug abuse: caught in a trap ! Image depicting the trap of being an intravenous drug abuser, and the dangers of contracting AIDS. An injectable syringe containing withdrawn blood is seen. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) can be spread through the sharing of syringes or needles by intravenous drug abusers. Intravenous drug users often draw up blood into the syringe, and if this blood is infected with the AIDS virus it may be reinjected into an unsuspecting syringe sharer. There is a growing threat of AIDS among intravenous drug users unable to afford sterile syringes, and who are forced to share.