The way heroin impacts a person’s body is going to depend on many factors including stature, sex, weight, existing health status, amount of drugs taken, how drugs were taken, how long someone was abusing drugs, whether they take other substances with the heroin and whether they have any mental health conditions. While some heroin effects on the body may subside, sometimes, even short-term use of heroin can lead to serious health effects.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a heroin addiction, it is important to reach out to our Transformations Care team for treatment today.
Most Common Heroin Effects on a Person’s Body
The heroin effects on a person’s body can vary from one person to the next. However, some of the most common side effects that you or someone else who is using heroin may experience include:
- Flushed, warm skin
- Trance-like state
- Euphoria
- Severe itching
- Heaviness feeling in the limbs
- Odd relaxation feeling
- Water eyes
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Drowsiness
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
- Small pupils
- Confusion
As someone continues using heroin, they may become physically dependent upon it. The two main ways to determine if someone is dependent on this drug are an increased tolerance to it and physical dependence on it. Basically, this means that someone needs more heroin to get the same effects they used to receive when using the drug. They also will likely experience physical and/or mental health symptoms when they stop or slow down their heroin usage.
If you are worried about or having any of these effects, don’t keep letting heroin take bits and pieces from your life and health. You can get heroin addiction treatment here at Transformations Care.
Changes in Physical Appearance Due to Heroin Use
While you can’t tell just from physical appearance changes whether a person in your life is under the influence of heroin, it is one of the heroin effects you should look for. For example, if your friend or loved one is addicted to heroin they may have significant weight loss. They may also have pinpoint pupils, disheveled appearance, lack of personal hygiene, injection marks on their limbs or other areas of their body and abscesses on their body.
Severe Heroin Effects on the Body
Some of the heroin effects noted above are more minor. They may not cause serious harm. However, there are some other more severe effects from heroin use that you may want to know about such as:
- Pulmonary infections or complications
- Liver disease
- Collapsed veins
- Rheumatologic issues
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Constipation
- Heart lining and valve infections
- Kidney issues
- Higher risk of hepatitis
- Skin infections and/or abscesses
- Higher risk of HIV exposure
- Brain damage
For those who use heroin long-term, they are much more likely to experience these severe heroin effects. If you want to prevent these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for treatment right away. The sooner you get clean from this drug and any others you might be taking, the sooner you can take your life back from the addiction.
Overdosing on Heroin
Studies show that there are thousands of fatal overdoses on heroin each year. For example, one study shows the following data about fatal heroin overdoses:
- 2009 – Over 3,000
- 2010 – About 3,100
- 2011 – Almost 5,000
- 2012 – Around 6,000
- 2013 – Over 8,000
Since 2013, the heroin fatal deaths hasn’t been going away. In fact, there are some areas of the country that have significant increases in these types of deaths. If you or someone you know has an addiction to or is using heroin in any amount, don’t let it take your life. You can get clean and into recovery with the help of our Transformations Care team today.
We would also like to talk about how you can save someone’s life who is overdosing on heroin. There are some overdosing signs that you should look for. If you notice these in anyone, get emergency medical help for them right away. Some of these heroin effects of an overdose include:
- Bluish lips and/or nails
- Difficulty breathing (often have shallow breathing)
- Delirium
- Weak pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle spasms
- Mental disorientation
- Pinpoint pupils
- Tongue changes colors
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Coma
Research shows that in 2009 there were about 213,000 ER visit due to heroin use or overdose. It is also clear that not everyone who overdoses on this drug or other drugs will get emergency medical treatment – either due to shame from drug use, being scared of going to jail or from having a fatal overdose. With this being said, it is crucial that anyone who sees these signs in someone else, get that person the help they need immediately. By doing so, you truly could be saving their life.
More Heroin Effect Dangers and Risks
Heroin use is any amount is illegal, so using the drug at all is a crime. You could be facing prison time if you get in trouble for heroin use or distribution. You may also get into trouble if you are driving under the influence of this drug. However, there are more dangers and risks than just this component.
You have the dangers of being exposed to other addicts and drug dealers. These people are vulnerable which could lead to fights, violence in other forms or even death. Child abuse, sexual assualt and other forms of assault are more common in those who use heroin, as well.
In addition, other heroin effects include those that are mental health in nature. Some of these issues might include:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
Has heroin caused you to experience any of these issues? If so, don’t wait for the mental health or other issues to get worse.
If you or someone you know is using heroin, it is important to choose a life of sobriety right away. The sooner you recognize the severity of the addiction and why changing your life to a substance-free one is the best choice, the more you can improve your life, health, relationships and future.
Get Heroin Addiction Treatment ASAP
Do you or someone you know struggle with heroin use or addiction? If so, now that you know a bit more about the heroin effects on the body, brain, lifestyle, relationships and your future, you can see just why getting treatment is the best decision in any case. Don’t keep letting this drug take your life and destroy it. You deserve a better lifestyle and you can get it.
Contact us today, here at Transformations Care, to stop the heroin effects on your body and get into a heroin addiction treatment program ASAP.