Heroin abuse in the U.S. is increasing, with more than one million people using heroin each year. Understanding heroin’s effects on the body is extremely important if you know someone who is abusing this powerful drug. The long-term effects of heroin can be devastating and lead to mental health issues, liver and kidney disease, and infections of the heart lining and valves.
The Ranch in Dickson, TN, supports those who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, cocaine, prescription opioids, or other addictive substances. Our experienced team will welcome you and run a full health assessment. We use the information we gather to develop a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral and holistic therapies and medication-assisted treatment. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs available to see you through every step of the recovery process.
For more information about our heroin addiction treatment program, call 1.844.876.7680 today to speak with our compassionate team.
Understanding Heroin’s Effects on the Body
Heroin abuse has increased over the last decade despite its harmful effects on the body and brain. Heroin comes from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum and is used to make morphine. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that causes extreme euphoria and pleasure, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how you ingest it.
The short-term effects of heroin abuse include:
- Euphoria
- Dry mouth
- Flushed skin
- Arms and legs feeling heavy
- Upset stomach
- Itching
- Pinpoint pupils
This drug is extremely addictive and will cause intense withdrawals that can take several days to weeks to fully detox. During this time, you will experience vomiting and diarrhea, bone and muscle pain, insomnia, cold flashes, restless legs, and chills.
If you are struggling with a heroin addiction, there are several treatment programs available that can help. The Ranch welcomes Tennessee residents who are abusing heroin and want help breaking the addiction. We will discuss the intensity of heroin’s effects on the body and mind to develop a comprehensive recovery program that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse
Heroin is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health complications, and no amount is safe to take. If you are worried that a friend or loved one is abusing heroin, here are some of the long-term effects of heroin abuse:
Physical Health Issues
The most noticeable problems that come from abusing heroin for long periods are skin infections, such as abscesses and cellulitis. It can also damage your liver and kidneys and cause infections of the heart lining and valves. Other physical complications from long-term heroin abuse include lung complications, severe constipation, sexual dysfunction in men and women, and collapsed veins.
How you take heroin can also cause severe damage. Those who snort heroin may damage the lining of the nose and airways. If you use heroin intravenously, it can lead to:
- Scarred or collapsed veins
- Bacterial infections in your blood
- Abscesses and boils
- Skin infections, pockets of pus, and other skin complications
Mental Health Issues
Heroin abuse is very damaging to the brain and can cause permanent brain damage. Developing depression and anxiety are common with long-term heroin abuse, as is cognitive impairment and your ability to control your behavior and responses to stressful situations.
Social and Financial
The long-term effects of heroin abuse will also affect other aspects of your life. Those who use heroin are likely to become socially isolated and only hang out with other people who abuse the substance. Heroin can impact your relationships, your ability to hold a job, and other life complications.
Schedule an Appointment to Begin Heroin Addiction Treatment Today at The Ranch
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes all people who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, cocaine, alcohol, or other addictive substances. Our team will run a full assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and the length of substance abuse. We will develop a comprehensive treatment program that can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
If you or a loved one is abusing heroin and want to make a positive change, fill out our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today and enroll in our heroin addiction treatment program.
