Heroin, an extremely addictive opioid can grab ahold of a person in as little as one use. Unfortunately, the use of heroin has increased across the nation. For many, heroin use results in death. In 2017 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that more than 15,000 Americans overdosed from the drug and died. 

For those who can overcome their addiction to the dangerous drug, it doesn’t mean they are out of the woods when it comes to their health. Those that used the drug may experience long-term health effects. Heroin wreaks havoc on the brain and degrades the body.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Heroin Use?

If you use heroin, you may not understand how it is damaging your body each time you snort, smoke, or inject it into your body. Even if you notice the short-term changes, your addiction to the lethal substance can be so strong that you ignore them. As you become more entrenched in your heroin addiction you have a much harder time of stopping use. As you continue usage, your body will begin to show symptoms of long-term damages.

The complications that arise from heroin use which are seen in the short-term include:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Damage to the nose
  • Contracting a bloodborne virus
  • Continual sickness and poor health
  • Mental health disorders
  • Constipation
  • Insomnia
  • Immune system issues
  • Sexual problems

Long-term permanent damage is done with chronic use. Because heroin is cut with additives, the user won’t know exactly what is being put into their body with the drug. These additives have been known to clog blood vessels which can cause deadly consequences in the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Additionally, habitual use of heroin can also lead to the following long-term health issues:

  • Liver problems and liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Infection in the heart valves
  • Collapsed veins
  • Mental illness
  • Brain deterioration

How Can You Get Treatment For A Heroin Addiction?

You may feel that you are the only one suffering from your addiction and you may feel helpless or lost in it. You are not the only one and you don’t have to let heroin consume your life. You can get treatment and heal. The Tennessee-based addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place offers a soothing environment to help you safely detox and provide you with the support you need to get better mentally and physically.

What Are The Effects Of Chronic Heroin UseDiscovery Place’s Tennessee medical detox alternative treatment center offers treatment customized to fit your specific needs. With the guidance and support of a team of compassionate, caring, and understanding professionals you will be encouraged during your stay and beyond. You have the power to get better, the first step is getting help. Do not hesitate to call Discovery Place’s Tennessee 12-step addiction alternative center today at 1-800-725-0922. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you overcome your addiction. We have staff available to talk with you and provide information 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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