7 Physical Side Effects of Heroin on Users

How Heroin Affects the Bodies of Users

There are many dangerous drugs in the world, but heroin is undoubtedly one of the most destructive and the physical side effects of heroin are hard to overcome. Cheap, readily available, and increasingly popular, heroin is wreaking havoc on many parts of the country, from big cities to rural areas to everywhere in between.

If you have struggled with a heroin addiction, you already know how difficult it can be to break the chains of that dependency. The good news is you do not have to go it alone, not when you work with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab. We understand the powerful hold heroin has on the body, but we also know what it takes to break free of that addiction, so pick up the phone today and take the first step on your road 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.

7 Physical Effects of Heroin

Heroin and other opioids have many effects on the body, and the physical implications of heroin use can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Here are seven physical effects of heroin on the body:

  1.  Slow and shallow breathing – Heroin and other opioids depress the central nervous system, resulting in shallow and slow breathing, so much so that the life of the addict can be at risk.
  2. Depressed pain reception – Like other opioids, heroin is a powerful painkiller, and a decreased perception of pain is one of its most immediate effects. This lack of pain sensitivity can present several dangers for the heroin addict.
  3. Collapsed veins – IV heroin users often experience collapsed veins, resulting in several other chronic problems.
  4. Chronic constipation – Frequent constipation is a common physical side effect of heroin use and one of the critical warning signs to watch out for.
  5. Skin infection – Shooting up can have serious implications for chronic heroin users, resulting in not just collapsed veins but serious skin infections as well. The breaks in the skin from repeated injections and scars from needle marks can allow bacteria into the body, creating a potentially life-threatening situation for the addict.
  6. Rebound depression – The euphoria created by heroin is intense but not long-lasting, and when it leaves, rebound depression often follows. This rebound depression can be quite powerful, leaving the heroin user despondent and even suicidal.
  7. Reduced libido – Heroin use can have a harmful effect on the user’s sex life, sending the libido into freefall and creating relationship problems in addition to all its other products.

Heroin Detox at WhiteSands

Getting clean from the physical side effects of heroin is no easy task, but it is possible, and there are already many success stories. If you are ready to be the next example of how heroin addiction can be overcome with the right help and guidance, we invite you to give our staff a call.

Our unique approach to heroin and drug detox is designed to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible, all while giving your body the time it needs to begin the healing process. With full medical support and a priority for safety, we can provide everything you need to get clean and stay that way.

Going through heroin and drug detox can be challenging, but having the proper support will make all the difference. If you are ready to begin this journey, we are prepared to be your partner, and all it takes to get started is a single phone call.

Heroin Rehab at Whitesands

The purpose of heroin detox is to cleanse your body of the toxins you have been ingesting, but what happens after drug detox will be just as critical, if not more so, than what happens during the cleansing process. That is why we follow up our top-quality medical detox with equally top-quality heroin rehab, giving you a head start on the rest of your life.

We know that deciding to go into heroin detox can be frightening, but the alternative is even scarier. If you are ready to turn your life around, give your loved ones one less thing to worry about and break free of the dangers of your heroin addiction, all it takes to get started is a single phone call, so contact us today.

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.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.