The Damaging Effects of Heroin
The first time a person uses heroin, they may quickly become violently ill. The feeling might transition into a high that makes them feel peaceful and relaxed. However, that euphoric feeling might never be that strong again. In addition, the damaging effects of heroin can wreak havoc on the brain and body.
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
If heroin is so dangerous, why do people use the drug? How can it be so hard to quit?
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Every time you use heroin, it sends signals to the brain’s reward center. Your body delivers its own messages to that same area of the brain when you take part in pleasurable behaviors such as eating chocolate or exercising. However, the chemicals that are produced when you use heroin are much more powerful.
Your body stops producing its own mood-enhancing compounds as you continue to use the drug. Although heroin can reduce your sense of pain and anxiety when you’re using it, you feel worse than you did before as soon as the effects wear off. The fastest way to feel better is to continue to use the drug.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin
The chemicals in heroin produce negative effects even during the first use. Some of the short-term effects of heroin include:
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Grogginess
- Itchiness
- Slowed heart rate
- Decreased respiration
It’s important to know that you can overdose after taking heroin just one time. Taking in too much of the drug can slow down your respiration and heart rate too much. You increase your risk of overdose if you use heroin with other depressants, such as alcohol.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Over time, heroin changes your brain physically. The substance affects the areas that control mood, memory, and motivation. You may end up unable to feel happy. You might have trouble remembering things or getting motivated to leave the house.
Repeated heroin use also causes extremely uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as:
- Weakness
- Malnutrition
- Constipation
- Damaged teeth and gums
- Insomnia
- Reduced sexual functioning
- Wounds from scratching the skin
Recovering From Heroin Addiction
Even though heroin can produce devastating side effects, it’s difficult to stop using the drug. Getting the right support to detox, rehab, and recover can help you quit for good.
At Serenity Lodge, Men who are struggling with heroin addiction can find community, connection and healing to hold them up throughout the process of heroin detox and treatment. Our beautiful California facility is designed to provide everything that Clients need to stay comfortable and feel empowered as they face one of the biggest challenges in their lives.
We encourage our Clients to nurture themselves through different drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs, which include:
- Fitness therapy with our 1500-square-foot gym, racquetball courts, and golf facilities
- Music therapy in our professional recording studio
- Meditation therapy
- Massage therapy
- Nutritional prepared mealsal prepared meals therapy
The men who come to us will work with our experienced staff to break through to a new life. If you’re ready to take control over your addiction, call Serenity Lodge at (855) 932-4045.
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