What is the Impact of Heroin?

Heroin is a powerful, addictive, and dangerous drug. Because of its potent effects, many users become hooked on heroin after the first use. In a short period, the impact of heroin on the user is easily noticeable and apparent to family and friends. Those addicted to heroin often feel they are in the fight of their lives. Without proper intervention, heroin has devastating effects on the user, their family, and the community at large.

This article will discuss heroin as a drug, heroin use impact, signs of abuse, and how the addict can get the help they need to get clean for good. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use and need help, call the treatment professionals at Arista Recovery today. We offer proven heroin treatment programs that give you the tools and support you need to beat heroin addiction for good.

Arista Recovery is a Midwest drug rehab center that can help you overcome addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our full continuum addiction treatment.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug derived from morphine from the poppy plant. The poppy plant is native to Afghanistan and China but is now found in certain areas of Latin America. The drug is versatile in the way users can administer it. It is most commonly injected into the veins, but it can also be smoked and snorted. While most commonly found in white powder form, heroin can also be brown in color.

When taken, heroin enters the brain and quickly converts to morphine. The drug attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks pain messages. As a result, heroin creates profound feelings of relaxation and calm. Heroin floods the brain’s reward centers, reinforcing feelings of pleasure and users will continue to use the drug to feel the same effects.

Heroin also slows down breathing, heart rate, and respiration. Chronic use of heroin leads to serious physical and mental issues. One major impact on the body is the development of hepatitis B, C, and HIV as a result of sharing dirty needles. Other serious effects include a weakened immune system, respiratory illnesses, muscle weakness, depression, and insomnia.

What Are the Impacts of Heroin Use?

The impacts of heroin use can be seen in the physical sense as well as psychologically, behaviorally, and in the mood. The following are the common impacts of heroin use seen in these areas:

The Physical Impacts of Heroin Use

One major physical impact of heroin use is the presence of track marks that can be found on the user’s arms, legs, and other parts of the body which can be concealed. Other impacts include a constant runny nose, shallow and irregular breathing, and continual nausea and vomiting. Additionally, users experience frequent respiratory infections and dramatic weight loss.

Psychological Impacts of Heroin Use

Another major impact of heroin use is that the drug robs the brain’s natural ability to produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Long-time heroin addicts use the drug not so much to feel euphoria as to function normally and without feeling sickness or pain. Common psychological symptoms of heroin use include visual, audio, and tactile hallucinations, confusion, and extreme paranoia.

Mood Impacts of Heroin Use

Heroin users experience erratic, unpredictable, and often volatile mood swings. When the effects of heroin wear off, users will experience depression as well as anxiety. While on the drug, users experience euphoria, contentment, and happiness. Additionally, the mood symptoms of heroin use can include irritability, agitation, and hostility toward others.

Behavioral Impacts of Heroin Use

Heroin users are very secretive and discreet with their heroin use. They will go to great lengths to avoid family and friends. Users can become very defensive when confronted about their heroin use. Additionally, a user’s hygiene deteriorates and they spend most or all of their time finding and using heroin.

Are You Addicted to Heroin? Arista Recovery Can Help

Heroin addiction is a serious matter that means life or death. If you or a loved one are addicted to heroin, today is the day you need to act and seek help. As Kansas City’s premier drug treatment facility, Arista Recovery features evidence-based treatment, multiple levels of quality care, and experienced treatment professionals committed to helping you stay sober for the long term. Now is the time to act; call Arista Recovery today and start strong on the path to recovery.

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