Heroin is an illicit opioid drug that some people turn to after developing an addiction to prescription opioids. To prevent misuse, medical providers limit the number of pills they prescribe within a specific period. However, those struggling with addiction may turn to street drugs as a substitute if they cannot access enough medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Like other opioids, heroin can have detrimental effects on your body and mind.
To support a loved one battling opioid addiction, take the time to understand the physical effects of heroin. This knowledge will help you express your concerns more effectively and encourage them to seek professional treatment. Promises Brazos Valley’s heroin rehab program can help someone you care about overcome addiction with the help of a personalized treatment plan consisting of medications and behavioral and holistic therapies. Our comprehensive approach to addiction treatment has transformed the lives of many of our clients. Find out more by giving us a call at 979.426.0086.
What Does Heroin Do to the Body?
Heroin is a full opioid agonist, which is why it’s so potent compared to partial opioid agonists like tramadol, a medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Full opioid agonists bind completely to opioid receptors in the brain, triggering an intense surge of euphoria that begins within minutes—or almost instantly when heroin is injected or smoked. In addition to this pleasurable effect, you might also experience the following while high on heroin:
- Itchiness
- Flushing of the skin
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed breathing
The high usually lasts for up to an hour, although it can be longer if heroin is injected or snorted. The above effects can linger after the euphoria wears off, and you may find it difficult to focus afterward, similar to brain fog.
Long-Term Physical Effects of Heroin
Chronic heroin use can lead to more serious complications for your health, many of which are irreversible and can be fatal.
Cardiovascular Damage
Using heroin for an extended period can take a toll on your heart health. The drug can cause impaired heart function, irregular heart rhythms, and an increased risk of heart infections. If you continue using heroin after exhibiting signs of impaired cardiovascular function, you can experience more serious conditions like heart disease and even heart failure.
Respiratory Issues
Long-term heroin use can also impact your respiratory health, especially if you smoke the drug. Heroin can make you more vulnerable to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and lung disease.
Malnutrition
Rapid weight loss is one of the most noticeable physical effects of repeated heroin use. This tends to correlate with decreased appetite along with prioritizing heroin over important daily habits like eating a balanced diet and practicing good hygiene. This opioid has also been found to cause calcium inhibition, which means the calcium you consume won’t be well absorbed by your body, leading to a possible calcium deficiency.
Risk of Infections
The risk of infection is high if you inject heroin, particularly if you share needles with others. Bloodborne infections like hepatitis and HIV are common among people who share needles for heroin. It’s also possible to experience skin infections at the injection site. Heroin can cause excessive itching as well, and those who scratch their skin may develop lesions that get infected.
Get Started on Heroin Rehab at Promises Brazos Valley Today
Your health is one of your most valuable assets, so it’s important to protect it from the physical effects of heroin use. If you struggle to quit this potent opioid, you can find the support you need at Promises Brazos Valley. Call us at 979.426.0086 to schedule an assessment so we can determine which of our inpatient or outpatient programs is right for you. You can also reach out using our online form—one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.