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Heroin Side Effects

 

Drug EffectsMost heroin users reach a point where their primary desire is simply to find and use more of the drug. Its addictive potential is among the highest of all drugs. Heroin can be snorted, smoked or injected. Often, addicts share needles, which puts the user at risk for HIV-AIDS, hepatitis and many other infectious diseases. Heroin abuse also weakens the body's immune system.

 

Whatever method is used when taking the drug, heroin affects nearly every organ in the human body. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, heroin use causes damage to:

 

 

The same NIDA study reported that, in addition to the effects heroin may have on specific organs, it produces "global body changes," such as dramatic increase or decrease in appetite, or increases in body temperature, which may affect a variety of health conditions.

 

Heroin Addiction

 

The consequences of heroin addiction cannot be overstated. Most former addicts report that the intensity of the "high" and the escape from reality heroin provided became all-important. Their lives revolved around maintaining this feeling with more frequent use, at increasing doses-a craving that will not be denied.Drug Effects

 

Addiction expresses itself as a downward spiral, following the pleasure of the drug's effects during its initial use. As the user becomes more and more reliant on heroin to achieve that sense of pleasure, a psychological dependence takes hold. Life without heroin becomes less and less satisfying. Work, family, friends, social engagements, and the routines of life that bring most people a sense of purpose and satisfaction become annoyances for the person suffering from heroin addiction.

 

As the drug takes hold in the mind, changes in brain chemistry interfere with the addict's ability to make voluntary decisions. Physical dependence kicks in, and the user's life slowly falls apart. Eventually, every waking moment of the heroin addict's life centers on scheming to acquire more heroin. Confusion, restlessness, paranoia and anxiety constantly stalk the user. He or she will continue on that downward spiral of addiction, which can end in only two ways: death or treatment.

 

Heroin Treatment

 

Given the extremes in behavior heroin users exhibit in the pursuit of using, treatment must be equally all-encompassing. Many heroin users feel they can "kick the habit" alone-often hoping that promising to do so will reduce the pressure others place on the user. But truly effective heroin treatment must address both the physical and psychological dependency brought on by addiction.

 

Drug EffectsDuring heroin treatment, managing the effects of withdrawal is critically important. This process is commonly known as "detox." The heroin addict's body has adapted to the constant barrage of chemicals, and reacts severely when they are absent. The physical symptoms are similar to influenza, only much more intense. Bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, chills, constipation and diarrhea are common bodily responses as withdrawal progresses.

 

Some extreme cases may require pharmaceutical treatment of symptoms; however, most individuals seeking recovery require only compassionate care and support during these first difficult days.

 

National Rehab can help you find that care and support in a serene environment. Counseling in group and individual settings and family therapy (when indicated) are also components of effective treatment. During rehab, the client will be introduced to the strong ongoing support offered in a 12 Step program. All step-based programs focus on addiction as a chronic condition with no cure; that recovery is an ongoing process.