Heroin and other opiate drugs may have devastating effects on a person’s body if used regularly. This is why there is a strong push for preventative and crisis intervention measures to curb heroin abuse. Long-term heroin abuse is associated with changes in brain function, negative behavioral patterns, and serious physical problems if substance abuse is not stopped and existing health problems are not addressed. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with heroin abuse, please reach out to Mallard Lake Detox Center to talk with a qualified representative who can help you find a treatment regimen tailored to your needs.
Dangerous Side Effects of Heroin Abuse
One of the first noticeable effects of heroin abuse is an intense rush of pleasurable feelings. You may also notice your skin getting hot and your mouth getting dry due to this surge. Short-term effects of heroin abuse can also include vomiting, nausea, and severe itching. Heroin withdrawal causes extreme fatigue and sleepiness. You’ll be in this state for a while, as even the most fundamental bodily processes, like heart rate and breathing, slow down. While you may be at peace and in a good mood, this illusion could end your life. In just a few short hours after the last effects of heroin abuse have worn off, your body will begin to demand more. If you suddenly stop taking heroin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Mental Anguish
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Excruciating Pain
Short-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse
Heroin’s short-term effects, the desired high, wear off quickly. However, withdrawal takes longer, and the heroin addiction that can develop from seeking out the next high to maintain a sense of normalcy and avoid the unpleasant effects of coming down can be lifelong if not treated by a medical professional. Other effects include:
- Inability to think clearly
- Slower breathing
- Vomiting
- Hypothermia
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Insanity or fatality (due to overdose)
This harmful, illegal substance has the potential to produce intensely pleasurable feelings, which only serves to reinforce its addictive nature. Heroin achieves this by chemically interacting with the body’s opioid receptors, which causes the affected nerve cells to secrete the neurotransmitter dopamine.
A dopamine hit is something you might have heard of. The molecule dopamine plays a crucial role in the regulation of pleasurable feelings. These are the positive experiences that often trigger and sustain heroin addiction and dependency. It’s important to keep in mind that once you try heroin, you won’t be able to stop thinking about those few minutes of euphoria you experienced before the ugliness of withdrawal set in.
Get Help Now from Mallard Lake Detox Center for Chronic Heroin Abuse
Someone who has abused heroin for a long time or who has relapsed can still recover, rejoin society, and find fulfillment in a sober way of life. Opiate addictions, like heroin abuse, respond particularly well to 12-step programs. Suboxone, Methadone, and naltrexone are some medications that can be used in medication management. Counseling for mental health issues and inpatient rehabilitation treatments work together to restore a person’s health and well-being to a point where they can make informed decisions about their future. If you or a beloved one is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston and speak with a qualified official who will help steer you in the right direction.