Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that is derived from morphine. Heroin use has both immediate and long-term consequences that can adversely impact your daily life and functioning. At Refine Recovery, we believe that understanding heroin addiction long-term effects is the knowledge you will need to make the right decisions for your safety and well-being.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid that is derived from morphine. It is snorted, smoked, or injected via the vein. Heroin targets specific opioid receptors in your brain that lead to feelings of pain relief and euphoria, which is why the person keeps going back to it for more and more.
Heroin is a Schedule I substance in the U.S., which means it has no known medical uses and has a high potential for misuse. The effects of heroin use can be both immediate and lasting.
What Are the Long-Term Heroin Use Effects?
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that repeated heroin use leads to some long-term consequences, such as:
Heroin Tolerance and Dependence
Repeated heroin use impacts your brain chemistry in a way that it develops tolerance for the opioid, which means that you will need larger quantities of heroin to achieve the desired effects. This also increases the chance of a heroin overdose.
As you use heroin regularly, your brain and body become dependent on it, which means that you will need heroin to feel and function normally. Dr. Marisa Sisk, the Chief Clinical Officer at Refine Recovery, says that “As heroin dependence develops, the person begins to prioritize heroin use over everything else in life.”
Chronic Constipation
The heroin health effects are both immediate and long-term. While one of the immediate heroin side effects is constipation – with repeated heroin use, this becomes chronic as well. It affects your health and brings down the quality of life.
Reduced Immunity
Heroin use can make the person so dependent on it that they ignore other needs in favor of heroin use, including food and nutrition. This adversely impacts immunity and increases the chances of contracting infections and diseases.
Increased Risk of Contracting Blood-Borne Viruses
When heroin is injected via the vein for immediate, heightened effects, there is a risk of contracting blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis or HIV, given the tendency to share needles. This way, heroin addiction can lead to irreversible health consequences and decrease life expectancy as well.
Increased Risk of Contracting Pneumonia and Other Lung Problems
Heroin use is linked with a myriad of lung problems, like respiratory depression. Chronic heroin use impacts the lungs in that it can increase the risk of infections like pneumonia.
Disturbances in the Menstrual Cycle and Fertility Problems Among Women
Animal studies have shown that opioid use can block ovulation, leading to disturbances in the menstrual cycle and fertility problems. This shows that chronic heroin effects can be different for men and women, in that there is an increased risk of menstrual cycle and fertility-related problems among women.
Impotence Among Men
Studies have shown that erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among male heroin users, which can lead to impotence.
Collapsed Veins and Skin Abscesses
One of the most noticeable signs of heroin use is collapsed veins and skin abscesses. These are especially common among those who inject heroin via the vein – leading to wounds and abscesses.
While this is a cause of alarm for loved ones, Dr. Sisk says, “While many of our clients come to us after noticing skin abscesses, they have already missed the first window of recovery. This is why noticing the behavioral signs such as secrecy, social withdrawal, and changes in social circle is pivotal to early intervention.”
Damage to Blood Vessels
Given that heroin can have certain additives, they can damage the blood vessels of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. Heroin addiction long-term effects can impact vital organs, leading to major health consequences.
Damages Finances, Career, and Relationships
Heroin addiction damages many aspects of life, including finances, career, and relationships. Heroin is expensive, leading to a dent in the pocket. Chronic heroin use, where the person prioritizes heroin over career and relationships, can lead to broken trust from which career or relationships cannot recover.
The Risk of Overdose
Over time, heroin use increases the risk of overdose. The common signs of heroin overdose are:
- Low body temperature
- Cold and clammy skin
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Slowed breathing
- Convulsions
- Coma.
Heroin overdose is a medical emergency, which is why you need to call emergency services like 9-1-1 immediately. In the meantime, you can also administer naloxone, which is available under the brand name Narcan as a nasal spray and injection. It is an opioid overdose-reversal medication that restores breathing in 2-3 minutes.
Are Heroin Addiction Long-Term Effects Reversible?
Long-term heroin use effects change the structure and physiology of the brain, leading to certain imbalances in the mind and body that cannot be easily reversed. However, with heroin use treatment and rehab, there is a lot of hope for healing and a fulfilling life.
At Refine Recovery, we treat heroin use in the following way:
- Medically supervised detox
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involving FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
- Psychotherapeutic interventions and counseling
- Group therapy
- Aftercare.
Dr. Sisk says, “What is telling about heroin use is that the person has tried to quit heroin many times, albeit unsuccessfully. We have noticed among our clients who have tried quitting heroin on their own before that the abstinence period lasts only for 2 weeks before it leads to a relapse. This is why you do not have to do it on your own. We offer personalized interventions that meet you where you are in your journey toward recovery.”
Reach Out to Refine Recovery to Begin Healing Today!
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use, do not delay your recovery any longer. Reach out to Refine Recovery today – we offer holistic interventions that are designed to facilitate your healing from the mind, body, and spirit – the whole you!
Call us at (866) 890-9573 to speak to our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Heroin Use Effects
1. What is heroin?
Heroin is an opioid that is derived from morphine. It is available as white or brown powder, and even as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.
2. Does heroin use lead to long-term consequences?
Yes, heroin use can change the brain structure and functioning, leading to imbalances in the mind and body that are not easily reversible.
3. Can heroin addiction treatment help?
Yes, early heroin addiction interventions and aftercare can lay the foundation for lasting healing and recovery.
4. What does heroin addiction treatment involve?
Heroin addiction treatment involves detox, medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, counseling, group therapy, and aftercare.
5. How much does heroin addiction treatment cost?
Heroin addiction treatment cost varies depending on the length of the treatment and other unique factors. However, most health insurance plans cover heroin rehab costs.
