Most people know how dangerous and deadly heroin abuse can be just from recent news reports about the opioid epidemic. It’s no secret that heroin can lead to overdoses and death. But what many people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about are heroin’s effects on the body.
How Does Heroin Work?
When heroin enters the brain, it is converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors. People who use heroin report feeling a surge of pleasure or a rush. This sense of pleasure is due to a flood of dopamine being released into the body.
After this initial release of dopamine is over, your brain wants to replicate that feeling, which leads to wanting more and more heroin to get the same fix. Over time, your body creates a tolerance and you no longer feel that same high, so you take larger doses. This leads to a worsening addiction, more health problems and an even higher risk of overdose.
How Heroin Affects the Brain
Heroin changes the structure and physiology of your brain. It can cause a decline in white matter, which leads to problems with:
– Cognitive function
– Memory loss
– Decision-making issues
Continued abuse of heroin can also lead to long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems, according to Drugabuse.gov. In other words, the consequences of heroin abuse have long-lasting effects on users’ brains.
How Does Heroin Affect the Body?
Not only does heroin cause problems with the brain, it also takes its toll on the body in many ways. It can cause short-term problems immediately after taking the drug and long-term issues after it is used many times.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin on the Body
After the initial rush of pleasure, heroin users experience a number of negative side effects that continue to persist until more heroin is used. Some of those short-term side effects include:
- Flushing of the skin
- Feeling as though your arms and legs are heavy
- Increases in body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme itching
- Dry mouth
- Falling in and out of consciousness
- Slowed heart rate
- Irregular heart rate
- Slowed breathing
Long-Term Heroin Effects on the Body
As heroin is abused more and more, your body takes a beating from the abuse, leading to worsening health problems. Some of the long-term effects of heroin on the body include:
- Oral health deterioration
- Skin problems
- Extreme constipation
- Weakened immune system
- Malnutrition
- Sleep problems
- Sexual function problems
- Liver and kidney damage
- Brain damage caused by overdoses
- Lung problems like tuberculosis and pneumonia
- Possible infections of heart valves
- Coma
- Death
How Your Appearance can Change on Heroin
While heroin affects the body is many ways that cannot be seen, it even leads to significant, negative changes in your physical appearance:
- Weight loss (especially in the face)
- Sagging skin
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Looking lethargic
- Scabs and scars (specifically on the face due to itchiness)
- Bluish tint to skin (due to low heart rate)
- Looking much older than actual age
The Effects of Heroin Withdrawal
After becoming dependent on a drug like heroin, you have to keep taking it in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will affect how your body feels and can begin as soon as 10 hours after using heroin and can continue for over a week. Some of the effects of heroin withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Heal Your Body at Footprints Beachside Recovery
If you are using heroin, your body is likely suffering and desperately wants to heal. It’s time for a healthy, fresh start that is possible through our heroin addiction treatment program. We know that no two addictions are alike. When you attend rehab at Footprints Beachside Recovery, we help design a personalized therapy plan to fit your specific needs.
This individualized approach uses group therapy, trauma therapy (if necessary), dual diagnosis groups, nutrition classes, massage, fitness classes and more. Medically-supervised detox can also be part of your individualized treatment. Contact us today to start recovering from heroin addiction.
References:
Opioid and opiate withdrawal symptoms and treatments. www.healthline.com. (Accessed Sept. 14, 2018).
