Heroin is one of the contributors to our country’s opioid epidemic. Research shows that there are over 100,000 new users of heroin. And this drug is linked to many deaths every year.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug like prescription medication, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. But, heroin is illegal in any form. It can be in white or brown powder or a black tar-like substance.
There are many ways to consume heroin, such as injecting, sniffing, snorting, or smoking. Heroin and cocaine are sometimes mixed, a practice called speedballing.
The Immediate Side-Effects of Heroin
Heroin is a very potent opioid. Once it enters your body, it will become pure morphine. It is the reason why it impacts the human body strongly and immediately.
Here are the immediate effects of heroin on the body:
- A euphoric rush (can last 3-5 hours)
- A trance-like state (for 4-6 hours)
- Warm, flushed skin
- Heavy sensation in limbs
- Severe itching
- Nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Unnatural relaxation
- Slow breathing and slow heart rate
- Drowsiness
- Small pupils
- Disorganized thinking
The Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Continuous use of heroin alters the brain structure and functions. These changes create long-term imbalances in neurons and hormonal systems. Brain changes from heroin are not easy to reverse. Often, these changes cause long-term effects.
Here are the long-term effects of heroin on the body:
- Muscle aches
- Bone pain
- Uncontrolled leg movements
- Restlessness
- Cold flashes
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Cravings
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary infections and complications
- Arthritis/rheumatologic problems
- Collapses veins
- Chronic constipation
- Depression
- Kidney disease
- Infection of heart valves and lining
- Skin infections due to collapsed or scarred veins
- Increased risk of contracting hepatitis
- Heightened risk of exposure to HIV
- Contracting blood-borne viruses
These long-term side effects can be life-threatening. The best option is to visit a healthcare facility like Mallard Lake Detox to guide you in healing from these side effects.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
A sudden stop on your heroin use, especially if your body is dependent on it, will cause withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal begins just after a few hours without using the drugs.
In general, heroin withdrawal symptoms fall into two categories. These categories are early heroin withdrawal symptoms and late heroin withdrawal symptoms.
Early Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
- Agitation
- Increased anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Teary eyes
- Nasal discharge or runny nose
- Heavy perspiration
- Yawning
Late Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps on the skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These heroin withdrawal symptoms vary from mild to severe. While these symptoms seem unpleasant, getting help from healthcare professionals while trying to recover is the best option.
Recovery from heroin abuse is a long journey. The heroin withdrawal symptom is one tough battle to combat but with proper Heroin Detox Treatment, and friendly and professional staff, a difficult fight can be a pleasant one.
Here at Mallard Lake Detox Center, we assure you of holistic recovery. We share the same goal with you, long-term sobriety.
If you want to slowly turn your life around, call us today! We serve people near Houston, Texas.