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.
Discovery 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.
