long-term effects of heroin

Heroin addiction is rampant across the United States. Heroin’s effect is strong, and it is relatively inexpensive as compared to other drugs, so it makes it a go-to high for many drug users. It can negatively affect how you function physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Heroin has no medically approved use, like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), yet it is one of the most abused drugs in the country.

If you or someone you care about is stuck in the endless cycle of heroin addiction, our Solution Based Treatment team can help. We provide a comprehensive heroin rehab program that gives people the guidance and support they may need to overcome this type of addiction. Contact Solution Based Treatment to learn more about heroin rehab today by calling 833.999.1941 or completing our online form.

Recognizing Heroin Addiction

The appeal of heroin tends to be the “rush” or the temporary relief of pain it provides, especially related to trauma or mental health disorders. Heroin users report feelings of intense euphoria and a temporary absence of physical pain upon ingesting the drug. These effects are similar to those experienced when using drugs like fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone, and carfentanil.

Some of the signs of heroin addiction include:

  • Isolation
  • Constant skin itching
  • Obvious injection sites
  • Collapsed veins
  • Chronic infections
  • Trouble breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Confusion

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use

Among the many long-term effects of heroin use are:

  • Heart issues – Street drugs in general, especially heroin, can have toxic chemicals mixed in with heroin. These toxins can clog blood vessels or cause infections when injected, both affecting the heart.
  • Hepatitis – Sharing needles and having unprotected sex is all too common among heroin users. This puts them at significant risk for hepatitis B and C, leading to even more severe health conditions that affect the liver, including cancer.
  • Poor digestion – One of the many adverse health effects of heroin is that it wreaks havoc on the digestive system. Constipation is one of the most common long-term effects. In addition, chronic stomach pain can result or even intestinal bleeding.
  • Damaged veins – When heroin is injected, long-term damage to the veins often occurs. Users try to mask their injection sites by choosing locations on the body that tend to be covered by clothing. Unfortunately, this means they frequently inject in their feet and legs, which causes serious problems with their veins, like ulcers. Overused veins can cause them to collapse, and when medication is needed that could save their life, they are at risk of not receiving it.
  • Skin damage – There is nothing clean about heroin use. Syringes are typically dirty, and the drug is often “cut” with unsanitary or toxic solutions. This makes the skin rip for infections and scarring with repeated use.
  • Blood-borne illnesses – As heroin is injected directly into the veins, users are at great risk for diseases like HIV and AIDS.

There are additional social and emotional side effects from heroin use that are also worth noting. They include the shame of being addicted and the financial strain that either led to drug use or resulted from drug use.

SBT Can Help with Heroin Addiction and More

Once addicted, the physical dependence on heroin is strong. Continued use only increases the risk of serious infections, injuries, and overdose. At Solution Based Treatment, our treatment team will work closely with you to understand the long-term effects of heroin use. If you have questions about how heroin addiction treatment can help you or a loved one, our SBT team is here to help.

In addition, our treatment facility can help with addiction to:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzos
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Meth
  • Opioids
  • Prescription drugs

Choose SBT for Heroin Addiction Treatment

It can be intimidating for some people to enter into heroin addiction treatment. However, treatment is often the only way for people to get back on track. Let our Solution Based Treatment team show you the way to recovery. Contact us today by calling 833.999.1941 or completing our online form.

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