Heroin Effects on the Body

Using heroin is usually a death sentence, especially since heroin effects on the body are extreme. But heroin addiction rehab provides the hope and help for stopping use of this dangerous drug. Only through support, help and the treatment you need can your life be as happy and full as you deserve.

Short Term Heroin Effects on the Body

For people who use heroin, the early appeal of this dangerous drug is its ability to make them feel intense pleasure. The people using heroin by injecting, smoking or snorting the drug keep using it as they “chase” that feeling of pleasure. This leads to addiction and an ongoing cycle of the drug’s abuse.

The following are immediate heroin effects on the body:

• An intense rush of euphoria and pleasure
• Warmth in the body
• Sensation of heavy weight of arms and legs
• Reduction of pain
• Sleepiness
• Sedation
• Lethargy.

These feelings that are pleasurable to heroin users are short-lived. The immediate rush of pleasure goes away within a few minutes. Other effects like sleepiness and sedation last for several hours. Starting right after the drug is used, people on heroin often “nod” in and out of a sleepy state.

With these short-term effects desired by heroin users, there are negative side effects on the body. These negative side effects range from minor to extreme, even death.

Negative short-term heroin effects on the body include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Grogginess
• Itchy skin
• Sensitivity to light
• Tiny pupils
• Low body temperature
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed pulse
• Bluing of hands, lips and feet due to low oxygen in the body
• Death from overdose.

By using heroin along with other substances, risk is even higher. Alcohol, sedatives and other substances can reduce breathing, brain oxygen and heart activity to dangerous levels. These changes can lead to coma and even death.

Long Term Heroin Effects on the Body

Long-term heroin effects on the body include many conditions, symptoms and problems. These include damaged teeth from poor hygiene, damaged skin from scratching, constipation, weakness and sedation.

With ongoing use of heroin, the immune system is damaged. This leads to increased potential for other disease. This tendency to become sick is made worse through the poor appetite and malnutrition heroin users tend to experience. Poor sleep adds to physical damage and vulnerability to bigger problems.

The liver and kidneys are often damaged in people who use heroin. The brain suffers from lack of oxygen, a condition that can lead to irreversible changes. Heart valves often become infected. Bacterial infections and abscesses where the drug is injected are very common.

People using heroin may have started abusing the drug due to mental health problems. But heroin can also cause mental health conditions. These include:

• Depression
• Memory problems
• Anxiety
• Social disorders
• Addiction.

People who try to stop using heroin experience some severe side effects. Heroin withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, at its best. Patients quitting heroin often need the help of professionals. To remain clean of heroin after detox and enjoy long-term recovery, it is important to go to rehab at a quality heroin treatment program.

Heroin Treatment Is Critical for Long-Term Recovery

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida provides heroin rehab for patients wanting to stop abusing substances and start enjoying a better life in recovery through sober living. Through a variety of program types, patients gain the therapies, skills and support they need for success in sobriety.

If you or someone you love are ready to end heroin or other substance addiction and start repairing the effects of heroin on your life, loved ones and body, you need quality rehab help. Beaches Recovery provides that help. Call Beaches Recovery now at 8666050532 to learn how your life can begin again.