Heroin is a highly addictive narcotic drug processed from morphine, a naturally occurring opiate made from the opium poppy plant. It has currently no accepted medical use in the US and is purely an illegal substance. To date, heroin addiction remains to be a public health concern, not only in the US but worldwide. Known for its rapid onset and euphoric effects, heroin negatively impacts psychological and overall physical health with significant societal consequences as well.
This article explores the effects of heroin on the body and mind. Understanding these effects is essential in spreading awareness, highlighting prevention, and providing support for those struggling with and impacted by heroin addiction.
What are the Effects of Heroin on the Body?
Heroin can have devastating health consequences, both in the short term and in the long term. Once it enters the brain, through injection, smoking, or snorting, heroin is converted to morphine and then binds to specific receptors, which results in effects throughout the body.
What Are the Short-term Effects of Heroin Misuse?
Depending on the dosage and rate of administration, heroin causes an intense, euphoric “rush” once it enters the brain. People who use heroin frequently report feeling heavy in their limbs, having a dry mouth, and having warm flushing of the skin; these side effects are often accompanied by intense itching, nausea, and vomiting.
Users usually experience drowsiness for several hours following the initial euphoria, along with reduced respiration and heart rate and impaired mental performance. A coma or irreversible brain damage could result from this decreased breathing, which is potentially fatal.
What Are the Long-term Effects of Heroin Misuse?
Chronic heroin use results in major changes in the structure and function of the key areas of the brain. Studies show that chronic heroin misuse damages the white matter of the brain, leading to impairment in memory and cognitive function and behavioural dysregulation. You may observe impulsiveness, dysfunctional stress response, and poor decision-making with these impairments.
The following signs and symptoms may also be observed with long-term use:
- Collapsed veins
- Swollen tissue with pus
- Infection of the lining and valves in the heart
- Constipation and stomach cramps
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pneumonia
As it is highly addictive, heroin is also known for the development of tolerance; this occurs when a person must use more of the substance to achieve the same desired effect. As the user is exposed to higher doses of heroin, in the long run, physical dependence and addiction can develop. Physical dependence happens when the body starts to “expect” the effects of the drug, and symptoms of heroin withdrawal will occur if use is suddenly stopped.
Chronic Health Issues Related to Heroin Misuse
- Pregnancy: Mothers who were exposed to heroin during pregnancy may experience miscarriage, and there’s an increased chance that their babies might have a low birth weight upon delivery. Neonatal abstinence syndrome can also occur, which is a form of drug withdrawal upon birth.
- Infection: Users are susceptible to blood-borne infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
- Heart function: Increased susceptibility to heart disease because of swelling and stiffening of the blood vessels; high risk for heart attack and stroke due to blood pressure and heart rate changes.
- Gut health and immunity: Heroin use is linked to increased leakage of microbes from the gut into the bloodstream, widespread inflammation, and heightened immune system activity (overactive yet dysfunctional immune system).
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
Early recognition of the physical and behavioural signs of heroin addiction can help in seeking appropriate treatment as soon as possible and improve treatment outcomes.
What Physical Signs Indicating Addiction to Heroin?
Physical symptoms might vary depending on several factors, including the length, dosage, and frequency of heroin use. It could be very subtle or overt. Some of these physical signs include the following:
- Track marks or scars: Needle marks from injecting heroin can be seen on arms or other parts of the body.
- Constricted pupils: Also referred to as “pinpoint pupils,” are a distinguishing feature of opioid use.
- Weight loss: This isdue to poor appetite and lack of nutrition in the diet.
- Poor hygiene: Users let themselves go because addiction is the priority.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Restlessness, tremors, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting.
What Are the Behavioural Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
Behavioural symptoms are the tell-tale signs of heroin addiction. Once this vicious cycle sets in, addiction now is the main purpose of the user. Some of the most significant behavioural symptoms include:
- Dysfunctional focus on heroin: Obtaining and using heroin becomes the main purpose of the life of the user.
- Secretive behaviour: The user will lie about his drug use because of its illegal nature.
- Problems with money: The user does anything to obtain heroin.
- Social withdrawal: In an attempt to hide drug use, the user walks away from family and friends and replaces them with individuals who share the same addiction.
- Neglect of responsibilities: The user may skip or not perform adequately at school, work, or home.
- Risky behaviours: Due to impaired decision-making and impulsiveness resulting from long-term use.
Heroin Overdose
Since heroin is illegal, there are no limits and rules governing how it is manufactured and dispensed. Because of this, users do not know the true contents of the heroin they are using or even its potency; this may result in a fatal overdose. Some of the effects of heroin overdose are slow, ineffective breathing (respiratory depression), blue lips and fingernails (due to lack of oxygen to the different parts of the body), cold and clammy skin, seizures, coma, and even death.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal may occur within hours after the last use of heroin.
What Are the Common Withdrawal Symptoms When Stopping Heroin Use?
Some of the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal include restlessness, tremors, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps. These unpleasant side effects are part of the reason why so many substance abusers are hesitant or unwilling to stop using.
Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 24–48 hours after the most recent use of heroin and subside after about a week. However, some people have shown persistent withdrawal signs for many months.
Getting Help
Heroin addiction can have devastating consequences for your mind and body. Once addiction sets in, it stirs you in the wrong direction, negatively influencing your daily life, and puts you in a spot where it can be challenging to ask for help because you feel hopeless or powerful. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, remember that help is at hand.
Here at Liberty Home, we understand the unique challenges of heroin use and how it can take control of your life. With our evidence-based treatment and health experts, we will help you take back that control and get back on your feet. Feel free to contact us if you’re ready to break free from the chains of addiction.
