Drugs and death. Coloured X-ray of a hand holding a syringe. This could represent the dangers of drug abuse, such as death from a heroin overdose. Heroin is the most commonly injected drug. It is an opium derivative which is injected to produce a feeling of warmth and euphoria. It is highly addictive, and the lethal dose is fairly low. Other injected drugs include cocaine and amphetamines. These are less toxic, but death can still result from high doses. Injecting drugs also carries a risk of contracting infections such as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and hepatitis from non-sterile needles.