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How Does Heroin Impact the Body?

What does heroin do to your body? In short, nothing that merits its consumption. 

Heroin is one of the most addictive illicit drugs that plague our society today. Once a person is hooked on the drug, they will go to unconventional lengths to use more of it, regardless of the harm it can cause to their body.

To a great extent, self-harming behaviors are not the addict’s fault, as the drug impairs their ability to use proper judgment and make the right decisions. Nevertheless, the drug poses a serious risk of harm and death to its users. 

The effects of heroin can be devastating; being well informed about and prepared can help us in educating a loved one who might be suffering from addiction.

Effects of heroin in the body

So what does heroin do to your body that is so harmful?

Heroin effects in the body can be grouped into two main categories – short-term and long-term effects.

Short-term effects of heroin in the body 

Short-term effects of heroin use on the body mainly affect the user while he or she is under the influence and shortly after the high fades away. The constant pressure of these short-term effects on the body is what leads to long-term harmful consequences and potentially the addict’s final demise. 

Heroin is a quick-acting drug, particularly when taken intravenously. The drug can take effect almost immediately, following a so-called rush and feelings of euphoria. Sadly, it’s not all dopamine showers, there are also other negative side-effects that come with taking the drug.

  • A warm flushing of the skin
  • Dry mouth 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Severe itch
  • A heavy feeling in the extremities
  • Slow heart function
  • Slow and/or heavy breathing

Having a slow heart and a slow breathing function can be lethal, as it can lead to heart failure, coma, or permanent brain damage.

Long-term effects of heroin in the body 

It’s important to understand that heroin is destructive. It hurts the body of its victims, leaving a lasting mark and irreparable damage. 

While long-term effects might not be noticeable within the first use, they will certainly be present after prolonged use periods.

Repeated use of heroin can cause severe damage to the brain, which creates long-term neuronal and hormonal damage that is not easily reversed. The damage that heroin causes to the liver can also be irreversible, leading to liver disease and death.

Other long-term effects include:

  • Constipation
  • Loss of tooth
  • Respiratory problems
  • Memory loss
  • Weakened immune system
  • Muscular weakness
  • Collapsed veins
  • Insomnia
  • Risk of contracting diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
  • Miscarriage

Overtime, the body builds tolerance against the euphoric effects of heroin, which prompts its victims to use more. While the users may not feel the rush the same way they did before building tolerance, the effects of heroin in the body remain the same, this lethal combination is what usually drives users to overdose.

How to get help

If you have been waiting for a sign or a push to help one of your loved ones get into recovery, but have been putting it off, then let this article be the reason. 

Understanding the long-term effects that heroin has on its users serves as a wake-up call to understand that the faster an addict gets into recovery, the higher the chances he or she will have to return to normalcy. Gratefully, many do recover from heroin effects in the body if they are given adequate treatment in time.

If a loved one is using heroin, you are now better prepared to help them. You may approach them and ask them; Do you know what heroin does to your body? If they don’t, show them this article, and explain the risks to them. But more importantly, seek immediate professional help.

90210 Recovery offers comprehensive medical detox and addiction treatment to ensure you get the care you need.

Contact 90210 Recovery to learn more about what you can do to help your loved one get sober.

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