Heroin’s Short-Term Effects
Heroin’s ability to produce profoundly euphoric experiences adds to the substance’s addictive character. Heroin binds to the opioid receptors of the body. A chemical connection is then formed between the damaged nerve cells and a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released. Among the chemicals that mediate rewarding emotions, dopamine plays an essential role. As the user strives to repeat the action that triggered their addiction in the first place – in this case, heroin usage – these rewarding sensations may both initiate and maintain addictions.
The short term effects of heroin include:
- Strong feelings of euphoria
- A hot and flushed feeling
- Extremely heavy sensations
- A feeling of drowsiness
- Reduction in pain
- The feeling of lethargy
“Rush” feelings last only a few minutes, but sedation effects will last for several hours afterward. Purity, dose, and route of administration affect how long the effects last – for example, whether the drug was smoked, snorted, or injected. While on the high from heroin, the user may “nod” back and forth between periods of alertness and sleep.As the user’s tolerance to the drug grows, the high from heroin will diminish. When tolerance develops, it is common for people to start consuming more and more, which can easily lead to overdosing.
Heroin Use’s Long-Term Effects
Long-term heroin usage can have a wide range of side effects including:
- Bad mouth
- Sedation and a feeling of drowsiness.
- Scratch marks on the skin.
- Poor sexual performance.
- Constipation that is extremely difficult to relieve.
- Increased susceptibility to diseases due to a weakened immune system.
- Malnutrition due to a lack of appetite.
- Sleeping problems.
As a result of infection, long-term heroin use can cause irreversible damage to the liver or kidneys. Low oxygen levels can also cause brain damage.
Risk Factors for Heroin Dependence
Heroin and other substance addiction can result from a mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Some of the established risk factors for heroin addiction include the following:
- High levels of stress at home or at work
- Prescription opioids like morphine and oxycodone are frequently abused.
- Emotional trauma or physical abuse
- Family members who have struggled with addiction or substance abuse.
- Stressful personal or familial conditions
- Experimentation with drugs or personal drug use
- Mental health problems in the past (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Poverty or unemployment
- Conduct that seeks thrills or takes risks
It’s important to remember that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean someone will become addicted. A person is just more likely to develop a substance abuse problem if these risk factors are present.
Skyward Treatment Center Offers the Best Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin withdrawal can be excruciating, but it depends on how much, how often, and for how long you took the drug. It’s critical to seek out assistance and chat with your doctor at this time if you want to make a full recovery. Skyward Treatment Center is dedicated to assisting you or a loved one who is struggling with heroin addiction.
