Heroin addiction is one of the most challenging addictions to treat, physiologically and psychologically. Understanding the effects of heroin abuse can help you prepare for life beyond detox and recovery. At Solution Based Treatment & Detox (SBT) in Murrieta, CA, our evidence-based drug rehab treatment gives clients a firm foundation to maintain sobriety and recover from the physical effects of long-term heroin use. Don’t look up the term “heroin abuse treatment near me” online if you’re searching for professional help to overcome heroin addiction. Instead, call 833.999.1941 to speak with someone from SBT about how our caring and compassionate team can help you.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse
Here are some of the most common short-term conditions following heroin use:
- Euphoric rush or high that lasts for up to five hours
- Flushed skin
- Unnatural relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Small pupils
- Heaviness in limbs
- Severe itching
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Runny nose
- Slow breathing
- Confusion
Heroin has a real and pervasive impact on your health with as little as one use. Several factors impact the severity of the side effects, including your height, gender, weight, the quantity taken, and how you take the drug. Additionally, the longer you use heroin, the more complex the psychiatric and physical effects become.
Impact of Long-Term Heroin Addiction on Health
If you continue to use heroin long-term, physical dependence sets in. Your body becomes used to the drug, and your brain rewires itself based on the presence of heroin in your system. Drug tolerance inhibits the desired rush that accompanies heroin use. Eventually, you will need more and more of the drug to get high.
The Cycle of Heroin Use and Abuse
Both heroin addiction and the unsanitary conditions surrounding its use can lead to long-term impacts such as the following:
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary infections
- Collapsed veins
- Chronic constipation
- Kidney disease
- Heart valve infection
- Arthritis
- Hepatitis
- HIV
- Depression
- Skin abscesses
Heroin’s rush of euphoria sets off a dangerous cycle. When you increase the use of heroin, you increase your risk of an overdose, a coma, and death. If you stop taking heroin or begin to use less, your body goes into withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include muscle cramps, vomiting, cravings, and restlessness.
Effect of Heroin Abuse on the Brain
Heroin addiction impacts the physiology and structure of your brain. When you use heroin, it deteriorates the brain’s white matter, affecting your decision-making ability and making it hard to control your emotions. Even after you go through detox and rehab, you have to remain vigilant to avoid a relapse.
The Effects of Heroin Abuse Include the Likelihood of Incarceration
Heroin is a designer drug and a costly habit to maintain. Since aggression is a common side effect of heroin addiction, you are much more likely to become violent by using heroin than other illicit drugs. Using heroin increases the likelihood of physically harming strangers and those you love. You may also have great remorse once you become sober, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of a Heroin Overdose
Heroin abuse may lead to overdose. To prevent death, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of an overdose, which include the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish nails or lips
- Drowsiness
- Spasming muscles
- Mental confusion
- Pinpoint pupils
- Low blood pressure
- Delirium
- Tongue discoloration
- Discolored tongue
- Coma
Seek emergency care as soon as you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you love.
Find Heroin Abuse and Addiction Treatment in California at SBT
Heroin addiction requires the help of medical and psychiatric professionals. Due to the dangerous side effects of withdrawal, it’s difficult to stop using heroin without supervision suddenly.
The dedicated team at Solution Based Treatment & Detox in Murrieta, California, can provide medically assisted therapy to make detox and rehab more comfortable and avoid life-threatening side effects. Don’t let heroin addiction determine your future. Contact SBT today at 833.999.1941 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.