Throughout the world, there are millions of people with heroin addiction. Over time, the long term effects of heroin can eat away at the body. While some symptoms happen with any form of heroin, adulterated heroin and injections can lead to even more side effects.
What Are the Long Term Effects of Heroin?
If someone takes heroin using injections, it can lead to infections in the blood vessels and heart valves. Injections can also cause collapsed veins. When someone shares needles with other users, it increases the chances that they will contract HIV, hepatitis, or other forms of contagious diseases. In the United States, the majority of new hepatitis C cases come from drug users who use injections.
Some of the other long term effects of heroin include symptoms like skin problems on the face, insomnia, and bad teeth. The individual may suffer from itching, gum inflammation, cold sweats, and constipation. Over the long run, heroin can also weaken the immune system and make respiratory illnesses more likely.
Mentally, the individual may suffer from depression, poor intellectual performance, or memory loss. Women may have menstrual problems because of their drug use. Meanwhile, men may develop long-term impotence and issues with their sexual performance. Both genders may suffer from muscular weakness, a loss of appetite, and an inability to achieve orgasm.
The Dangers of Heroin
When someone uses heroin over and over, it starts to change the way the brain works. Heroin can cause an imbalance in the body’s hormonal and neuronal systems. Before long, the white matter in the brain drops. This makes it harder for someone to make decisions, respond to stress, or regulate their behavior.
Like any addictive drug, using heroin can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Once someone has an addiction to heroin, they may go through heroin withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin a few hours after someone’s last dose and peak within 24 to 48 hours. These withdrawal symptoms can include side effects like bone pain, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle pain, cold flashes, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Overcoming an Addiction
When someone starts treatment, they have to deal with the short-term and long term effects of heroin. Thankfully, the right medical care and therapy options can simplify the client’s recovery journey. During the initial intake process, clients can get a complete physical and mental assessment to figure out which treatment options will work best.
In a men’s heroin rehab center, clients can get help through programs such as:
- Dual diagnosis care
- Evidence-based treatment
- 12-step programs
- Holistic healing
- Medical professionals with dual licenses in substance abuse and mental health
- Nutritional therapy
- Family counseling and family therapy
No one has to face the pain and stress of addiction alone. Overcoming an addiction is possible with the right treatment. Through Red Oak Recovery®, you can begin your personal healing process and overcome some of the long term effects of heroin. Discover more information by reaching out to us at 866.457.7590 today.
