Cases of intravenous use were also reported to be on the increase.

Of 388 patients who remained in treatment for one year or more, 71 percent had stopped intravenous drug use, the study found.

Higher rates were found where intravenous drug use is prevalent.

If there was any sign of intravenous drug use, the family said, then he had been murdered.

At the same time, there has been very little growth of cases attributed to intravenous drug use.

A family friend said that the cause of death was blood poisoning, brought on by intravenous drug use.

Of the 16,000, about 6,000 are addicted to intravenous drug use.

However, many states still provide the service despite the federal legislation, especially in large cities where intravenous drug use is a major health concern.

The officials also said intravenous drug use was the major cause for any increases inside the prisons.

Three-quarters of the cases are caused by intravenous drug use, health officials say.