Opioid use disorder has truly become a tragic epidemic in the United States, so heroin addiction treatment is just as crucial as ever, if not more. While people who struggle with this may use various substances, heroin is still the most popular. That is because it is potent, relatively inexpensive, and often easy to find.
In the short term, heroin can cause physical dependence, infections and injuries, and overdose. That’s frightening enough, but understanding the long-term effects of heroin is important, as well. If you are concerned about your heroin use and would like help, please contact Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758 for information on heroin addiction treatment.
The Long-Term Effects of Heroin on the Body
Over time, heroin use can have devastating impacts on physical health and well-being. These are just a few common heroin side effects:
Liver Ailments
Sadly, heroin users frequently engage in behaviors that put them at risk for hepatitis B and C. That includes having unprotected sex and sharing needles with other users. If these conditions are left untreated, they can lead to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, even liver cancer.
Collapsed Veins
Frequent IV drug use can cause permanent damage to veins. People who inject into their legs or feet can also suffer from chronic venous disorders, leading to ulcers in the veins. Additionally, when someone has collapsed veins, it can be challenging to deliver life-saving intravenous medications in an emergency or treat illness.
Heart Damage
Street heroin often contains toxic materials that can clog blood vessels leading to the heart. Additionally, infections that may start at injection sites can travel through the body to the heart. That can lead to endocarditis, which is potentially lethal and often results in permanent cardiac damage.
HIV and Aids
People who suffer from heroin use disorder are more likely to contract blood-borne illnesses such as HIV and AIDS.
Digestive Issues
One of the most common long-term effects of heroin on digestion is chronic constipation. Users may also suffer from intestinal bleeding and ongoing stomach pain.
Skin Infections And Scars
Often, those who suffer from heroin use disorder may use syringes that are old or unclean. They often use unsanitary water sources or other liquids for dissolving or “cooking” heroin for consumption. That often leads to skin infections. These can be pretty severe. Infections like these can travel to other organs and also lead to unsightly scars.
Social and Emotional Heroin Side Effects
It would be neglectful to talk about the long-term effects of heroin without addressing the psychosocial impacts of using this substance. Even if someone with substance use disorder manages to avoid any physical impacts, they are very likely to struggle with at least one of the following:
Trauma
Substance use disorder is a life-threatening, chronic illness. That alone is traumatic. In addition to that, those who use heroin are more likely to experience other traumas such as sexual assault, trafficking, arrest, incarceration, and abuse.
Shame
Shame is frequently felt by those who are actively using and who are in recovery. Many feel ashamed; they feel as if they have allowed themselves to become addicted. Others struggle with the shame of poor decisions and regrettable behaviors.
Poverty
The stress and trauma of poverty can increase the risk of substance use disorder. Sadly, once someone is amid this illness, they often suffer from devastating financial impacts. In many cases, they struggle to maintain employment, and the financial resources they do have are used to avoid withdrawal-related sickness.
All of this can lead to long-term poverty, which can be aggravated by the cost of medical treatments, legal issues, and employment difficulties. Consider the following addiction treatment programs if you are struggling with heroin addiction:
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Liberty Bay Recovery
Even if you are a long-term user, help is available to you. It is possible to recover and live a happy, healthy life. Call Liberty Bay Recovery at (855) 607-8758, and we can show you the way.
