Physical Side Effects of Heroin on Its Users

How Heroin Affects the Body

There has been a troubling resurgence in the use of heroin in recent years and just as fast a rise in the physical side effects of heroin use. The results of heroin are well known, and it has always been a dangerous drug, but many people are not aware of just how harmful this toxic substance can be.

Whether the heroin use in question results from prolonged opioid addiction or simple experimentation, the results can be just as dire. Heroin is physically and psychologically addictive, and over time it takes a heavy toll on the people who use it.

Even worse, heroin is so powerfully addictive that even casual users can easily get hooked. By the time they understand that they are dependent, their physical dependency on the drug may have reached extreme levels. If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin, it is essential to get help right away, and that help is just a phone call away when you call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab.

Understanding Heroin and Heroin Addiction

Many factors make heroin addiction a unique problem in families and society as a whole. On a family level, heroin addiction can take a significant toll on relationships, driving couples apart and causing untold amounts of damage. And on a societal level, heroin addiction and the rapid rise in overdoses have strained medical resources, put first responders in danger, and created enormous problems for employers, businesses, and others.

Heroin is such a dangerous drug because it is so powerfully addictive. Even first-time heroin users can become physically dependent on the drug, and once that dependency sets in, it can be challenging to break.

The fact that heroin is both physically and psychologically addictive means a concerted effort is needed to break that addiction’s chains. The combination of professional counseling and medical support that WhiteSands specializes in makes us uniquely qualified to treat this dangerous addiction, and we invite you to give us a call today to take the first step on your journey to recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Short Term Physical Effects of Heroin Use

The physical side effects of heroin can be broken down into short-term and long-term categories. It is vital for everyone, whether they are addicted to the drug or not, to understand the effects of heroin and its impact on users, family members, and others in the community.

Some of the most common short term effects of heroin include:

• Heavy feelings in the arms and legs
• Dry mouth
• Itchy feelings
• Flushed skin
• Nausea and vomiting

Long Term Physical Effects of Heroin Use

In addition to the short-term effects of heroin, the drug can also have some troubling long-term effects. Here are some of the most common long term impacts of repeated heroin use:

• Addiction and dependency
• Chronic constipation
• Ongoing insomnia
• Stomach cramps
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Perforated septum in those who snort the drug

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the biggest challenges heroin users face when trying to get clean is the physical withdrawal symptoms the drug creates. When heroin addicts try to stop using heroin, especially without medical support, the severity of their withdrawal symptoms is often enough to stop their recovery in its tracks and send them back to their use.

Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Shaking and chills
• Nausea and intestinal discomfort
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cold flashes
• Intense cravings for the drug
• Muscle and bone pain
• Restlessness and insomnia
• Nervousness

Treatment for Heroin Addiction at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Many factors make heroin addiction such a danger, starting with its stunning rise in use. After several years of declining use, heroin is seeing a huge resurgence, driven partially by the relatively high supply and low prices of the drug and somewhat by the related epidemic of prescription opioid medications. But no matter what the origins of the epidemic of heroin abuse and addiction, the results can be just as dire.

Heroin has always been a dangerous drug, but the rise of fentanyl-laced heroin has made an already bad situation worse. Fentanyl is a common adulterant used by heroin dealers, and its inclusion can make an already dangerous drug even more deadly.

What this means to you is that getting help for your heroin addiction has never been more urgent. If you are ready to get clean and stay sober, we invite you to give WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call. We understand what it takes to treat heroin addiction, and we have the training, expertise, and modern facilities needed to help you get your life back and live life on your terms.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.