Heroin is a dangerous and highly addictive opioid that’s made from morphine, a drug derived from different opium poppy plants. Heroin can come in the form of a white or brown powder, or as a black sticky goo known as black tar heroin. It can be injected, snorted, smoked, or mixed with cocaine, which is known as speedballing. Because the United States is in the middle of an opioid epidemic, it’s important to spread awareness about the physical effects of heroin and how it can permanently affect a person’s health.
As a recovering heroin addict, Brandon Novak can attest to the dangers of heroin and encourages those who are struggling with heroin addiction to get help immediately.
How Does Heroin Work?
Like other opioids, heroin works by immediately binding to opioid receptors in the brain. The person may then experience feelings of euphoria, pleasure, and even pain relief. Depending on how heroin is ingested, its effects may be more intense and fast-acting. The immediate effects of heroin are usually more severe when it’s injected or snorted. Once heroin enters the brain, it binds to opioid receptors and immediately affects functions like heart rate, breathing, sleeping, and emotions.
Brandon struggled with heroin addiction for years before finding sobriety. It wasn’t until he finally decided to go to a rehab facility for drug addiction and stick with his treatment that he was able to recover. If you or someone you know has a heroin addiction, then you should look into substance-specific treatment as well.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Heroin?
Because heroin is so addictive, a person can become dependent on it within a few uses. It’s the immediate effects of heroin that hook people and get them to continue using. The surge of euphoria heroin users feel when they’re high trumps any uncomfortable side effects; however, these side effects can affect other areas and functions of the body, increasing the person’s risk of permanent health repercussions.
The short-term effects of heroin on the body include:
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Dry mouth
- Heavy limbs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Itching
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
Long-term heroin abuse can cause clogged blood vessels and arteries, abscesses, liver and kidney disease, lung problems like pneumonia, mental illness, and more. Users who inject heroin are also more likely to contract diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and aids.
Despite the dangerous effects of heroin abuse on the body, it can be challenging for the individual to quit on their own. Many addicts are often in denial about their problem and refuse to receive treatment. As a certified intervention specialist, Brandon has helped numerous families get their loved ones help for their addiction. Getting professional substance abuse treatment is usually the most efficient way to get clean and stay clean.
Brandon turned his life around and so can you. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, call him on his direct line at (610) 314-6747 to learn how to set up an intervention for a loved one or begin the rehabilitation process.
Related Reading:
What Happens at a Drug Intervention?
