Heroin addiction can be crippling, causing a number of unwanted side effects and symptoms that can disrupt your everyday life. If you or a loved one are starting to experience the side effects of heroin addiction, reach out to Seasons in Malibu at 424.235.2009 to learn more about our comprehensive heroin addiction treatment program.
Heroin Use and Addiction
Heroin is a potent central nervous system depressant that is derived from the poppy plant. People use heroin for any number of reasons, but most of them can be distilled into one of three points:
- It makes them feel good
- It distracts them from physical or mental pain
- Their friends are using heroin
These three reasons — sometimes referred to as enhancement motives, coping motives, and social motives — are the fundamental reasons that heroin use is so prevalent. Many people who start using heroin quickly find that they cannot stop on their own and begin to experience the telltale signs of addiction.
When someone develops a heroin addiction, they are unable to stop on their own despite the consequences that their heroin use causes. The side effects of heroin can be severe, causing physical withdrawal, mental health challenges, physical illness, and more.
Short-Term Side Effects of Heroin Use
Heroin use causes a wave of euphoria, relaxation, and pleasure, but it can also have some undesirable effects. Some of the most common side effects of heroin use include:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
- “Nodding out,” or losing consciousness
- Dry mouth
These short-term side effects of heroin use can sometimes become serious problems. Heroin-induced constipation can lead to a medical emergency, as people can go days or weeks without bowel movements.
Long-Term Side Effects of Heroin Use
In addition to the short-term effects, there are many long-term side effects of heroin use. Some of the most common effects seen in people who use heroin for years include:
- Development of a mental health disorder, such as depression
- Chronic insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Collapsed veins for people who use heroin intravenously
- Addiction
- Abscesses
Many of the long-term effects of heroin use depend on how you use the drug. People who smoke heroin often develop lung-related issues, whereas those who snort heroin have problems with the nose.
People who inject heroin are at the highest risk and face a number of health consequences as a result of their intravenous drug use. Collapsed veins, abscesses, and blood-borne illnesses from sharing needles with others are all possible consequences of this type of heroin use.
Side Effects of Heroin on the Brain
Heroin significantly impacts brain chemistry, resulting in:
- Changes in White and Gray Matter: Long-term use can hinder decision-making, emotional control, and stress management by damaging brain tissue.
- Severe Dependence: The brain becomes reliant on heroin for dopamine release, leading to tolerance and the need for larger doses to feel the same effects.
- Cognitive Impairment: Users over time frequently face memory issues, trouble focusing, and diminished problem-solving abilities.
Heroin Overdose: A Growing Crisis
Heroin overdoses are increasingly common, particularly when combined with other substances like alcohol or fentanyl. Signs of an overdose include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Loss of consciousness
- Weak pulse
If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call emergency services right away and administer naloxone if it’s available.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Among all the effects of heroin addiction, heroin withdrawal is one of the most severe. The physical effects of heroin withdrawal are incredibly powerful and are one of the many reasons that it is so difficult for people to break free from a heroin addiction on their own. During withdrawal, people may experience symptoms such as:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Hot and Cold flashes with goosebumps (often referred to as “cold turkey”)
- Strong cravings for heroin
- Shakes and tremors
- Profuse sweating
- Diarrhea and vomiting
The effects of heroin withdrawal can appear less than a day after your last dose of heroin and can last for up to two weeks. Thankfully, several evidence-based tools can help people make it through the difficult withdrawal stage and start a new life in recovery.
Social and Legal Consequences of Heroin Use
In addition to the physical and mental effects, using heroin can lead to:
- Broken Relationships: Addiction often puts a strain on relationships with family and friends.
- Financial Instability: The expense of maintaining a heroin addiction can result in job loss and financial hardship.
- Legal Problems: Heroin is illegal in most places, and being caught with it can lead to imprisonment.
Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction
Recovering from heroin addiction is difficult but achievable with the right support. Treatment options include:
- Detoxification
- Medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are effective in reducing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy and Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) assists individuals in recognizing and altering harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
- Group therapy and support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, offer valuable community support.
- Rehabilitation Programs
- Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers provide structured settings that facilitate recovery.
Preventing Heroin Use
Education and awareness play a vital role in preventing heroin addiction. Key efforts should include:
- Informing communities and schools about the risks associated with opioids and heroin.
- Offering access to alternative methods for pain management.
- Promoting mental health initiatives to tackle underlying issues such as depression and trauma.
Start on the Road to Recovery with Heroin Treatment at Seasons in Malibu
When you or a loved one is living with a heroin addiction, contact the team at Seasons in Malibu by calling 424.235.2009 or online. Our comprehensive drug treatment facilities carry all the evidence-based tools to help you break free from the side effects of heroin use, learn how to live a healthier life in recovery, and overcome any co-occurring mental health challenges.
