What are the Effects of Smoking Heroin?

You know about injecting heroin, but did you know that it’s also possible to get high by smoking the drug? It’s a nervous system depressant that creates an initial feeling of euphoria. What are the effects of smoking heroin? More importantly, how can you stop when you realize that the habit’s slowly killing you?

The Misconception of “Safe” Heroin Consumption

There’s a persistent belief that injecting heroin is dangerous while smoking it is safe. That’s not the case. Granted, injecting the drug comes with a broad range of severe health risks. However, smoking it is also dangerous and has its own set of severe adverse reactions including heroin addiction.

You’re not safe from developing a dependency on the drug by smoking instead of injecting it. The effects of smoking heroin to get high are very similar to consuming it in other ways. You feel the rush, and then you drift in and out of consciousness for a few hours.

The Effects of Smoking Heroin on the Body

While injecting the drug leads to complications of the circulatory system, smoking it results in pulmonary problems. You’ll deal with frequent bouts of pneumonia. Because you don’t want to reveal your drug abuse to medical professionals, you don’t get adequate care. As a result, fluid continues to accumulate in your lungs.

Breathing becomes difficult. Your organs receive inadequate oxygenation. Also, depending on the type of pneumonia you contract, it’s possible for an infection to spread to your bloodstream. Death is a likely outcome.

Rehab is the Solution to Heroin Addiction

Whether you inject or smoke heroin, you’ll eventually develop a physical drug dependency. Ultimately, it crosses over into a psychological addiction. It’s now impossible for you to stop without suffering severe withdrawal symptoms. Rehab is the solution for the effects of smoking heroin.

During an intake interview, you talk with a counselor about your drug abuse. There’s no judgment. Since many heroin smokers also abuse other drugs, it’s vital to be open about the substances you’re using. From there, the counselor sets up a customized treatment plan that includes therapies such as:

• Heroin detox that provides around-the-clock supervision and pharmacological support to eliminate pain
• Clinical care that relies on evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior approaches
• Extended care for program participants who need additional time to heal
• Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment that benefits people with co occurring disorders
• Transitional living setups that provide a buffer between residential care and independent living

How to Get the Help You Need to Quit Heroin Abuse

The short and long-term effects of smoking heroin can result in significant health problems that affect the whole body. However, every time you try quitting on your own, you go right back to the drug when withdrawal symptoms hit. You don’t have to keep living this rollercoaster ride. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532, and get the help you need to stop the habit.