Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Heroin, an extremely powerful painkiller, is a derivative of morphine. As a rapidly acting opiate, it is highly addictive. It binds quickly with endorphin receptors in the brain, intensifying the painkilling effect and producing a “rush” of pleasurable sensations. Street names for heroin include “poppy,” “white junk,” “dead on arrival,” “smack” and “thunder.” Methods of use include injection, snorting and smoking. As a Schedule I substance, heroin is illegal and provides no legitimate medical purpose.
Heroin Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) lists addiction as one of the most detrimental long-term effects of using heroin. Addiction is a chronic disease identified by the compulsive and continued drug use in response to the chemical changes in your brain. In heroin addiction, your primary focus is on finding and using the drug to achieve the desired results. As your body adapts to each level of drug use, more heroin is required to reach or maintain the feelings you have come to recognize as normal and to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
What Are Physical Consequences of Long-Term Heroin Use?
Heroin has a detrimental effect on your body, such as:
- Kidney disease: Extended heroin use can cause kidney failure from the stress the drug places on your kidneys. Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition.
- Heart disease: Failure to use sterile technique to inject heroin can lead to an infection that travels to the valves and lining of the heart. Heart failure and pulmonary complications from infection are life-threatening conditions.
- Blood-borne viruses: Using shared needles for injecting heroin presents the increased risk for contracting diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
- Circulatory problems: Chronic heroin use by injection increases the risk of scarred and collapsed veins.
- Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage and premature delivery as well as addicted newborns are potential effects of long-term heroin use.
What Are Psychological Effects of Heroin Use?
The long-term effects of heroin go beyond the physical and challenge your emotional health. As your body becomes more dependent on the drug to medicate your feelings, you lose the ability to handle stress or make decisions without the “support” you get from a heroin high. You may experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia; restlessness where you just can’t sit still or maintain focus; or you may enter into serious depression and sadness as the drug level in your system decreases.
What Are the Social Effects of Using Heroin Long Term?
The cost of long-term heroin use goes beyond the financial structure of your life. While drug use can lead to job loss and financial ruin, it also takes a toll on your relationships with your family and friends. To support drug use, many people find themselves selling everything they have and turning to a life of crime to support their habit.
Get Help
One of the biggest dangers of sustained heroin abuse is the increasing potential for overdosing. Don’t wait any longer to reach out for help for your heroin addiction. Help is available through all the stages of recovery. Give us a call and let a caring staff member guide you to the best rehab treatment protocol for you or someone you care about.