Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a powerful opioid with a high potential for addiction, so it is understandable if you are concerned about someone you know using this substance. Many people who engage in heroin use believe they can quit whenever they want, but they may not realize that there are long-term effects of heroin abuse, some of which can cause permanent damage. Learn more about the effects of heroin addiction so you can talk with a loved one about the potential risks of long-term use. 

Sometimes, understanding the vast array of heroin addiction effects on physical and psychological health can be enough to encourage someone to seek help for addiction. If you or someone in your life is ready to leave heroin addiction behind, BrightView is here to guide you. Reach out at 888.501.9865 or fill out our online form to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment programs.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction?

Heroin has immediate effects on the body as the drug interacts with opioid receptors in the brain and imparts feelings of euphoria and relaxation. However, these pleasurable effects are fleeting, and the drug’s addictive properties will keep you coming back for more, eventually leading to addiction. One thing many people do not think about when using heroin or other addictive drugs is that the side effects can worsen over time, possibly causing irreparable damage to your physical health. 

If you are using heroin and finding it difficult to muster the motivation to quit, consider the following long-term effects of heroin abuse:

Mental Effects

Long-term heroin abuse can impact cognitive function, which can affect your decision-making skills, memory, and ability to concentrate and learn new things. Changes in the brain caused by long-term heroin addiction can also make it harder to regulate your emotions and cope with stressors.

Psychological Effects

Many people turn to heroin and other opioids to self-medicate emotional distress and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Unfortunately, heroin can worsen these conditions over time and even trigger them in those who did not previously have mental health issues.

Physical Effects

Long-term opioid use can lead to chronic constipation, sleep disorders, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, and impaired immune function.

Social Effects

In addition to harming your health, long-term heroin abuse can also affect your relationships with friends, family, and even coworkers and employers. Heroin addiction can take over your life, influencing you to put other obligations on the back burner. You may miss excessive days from work, or your performance might slip, which can threaten your employment.

If you prioritize heroin use over spending time with loved ones, those relationships can start to crumble. It is also important to point out that heroin addiction can cause you to engage in uncharacteristic behaviors, such as stealing money to purchase more of the drug. Of course, this can erode trust in your relationships.

Recognizing Heroin Addiction Effects in a Loved One

What if you suspect that someone you care about is addicted to heroin? Or maybe you have noticed odd behaviors but are not yet familiar with the signs of heroin addiction. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Fluctuating between alertness and extreme drowsiness
• Chronic runny nose
• Track marks, usually on the inner arms
• Wearing long sleeves in hot weather (to hide track marks)
• Dilated pupils
• Secretive behavior
• Failure to follow through on responsibilities at work or home
• Isolation and avoiding their usual activities

If someone is abusing heroin, you might also notice some additional changes, such as rapid weight loss or an unkempt appearance. Talk to your loved one about your concerns and encourage them to seek professional help.

Call BrightView to Overcome the Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction

Heroin can have devastating effects on your well-being, but you can put a stop to it with support from BrightView. We make recovery as easy and accessible as possible by providing care for anyone who walks through our doors, whether or not they have insurance. Nothing should prevent you from getting the addiction treatment you deserve. Give us a call at 888.501.9865 or complete our online form to embark on your recovery journey today.