The Negative Impact of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is one of the most addictive opioid drugs in the world and causes over 50,000 overdose deaths each year. Like prescription painkillers, heroin reduces pain and leaves users with a euphoric sensation. While the initial effects feel pleasurable, the prolonged use are extremely uncomfortable and can lead to many detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
Short-term effects of heroin use include:
- Warm or flushed feelings
- Heavy sensation in the extremities
- Reduced sensation of pain
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Grogginess
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Confusion
- Slowed respiration and heart rate
- Light sensitivity
- Constricted pupils
- Lower than normal body temperature
The long-term effects of heroin use include the following:
- Decreased dental health marked by damaged teeth and gum swelling
- Excoriated skin from scratching
- Severe constipation
- Increased susceptibility to disease from diminished immune system
- Weakness and sedation
- Poor appetite and malnutrition
- Sleeping problems
- Decrease in sexual functioning
- Liver or kidney damage
- Infectious diseases
- Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
- Abscesses
- Bacterial infections
- Mental health, such as depression and anxiety
- Social isolation
- Memory problems
Heroin use does not only affect the user; it also affects home, work and social life. As mentioned above, heroin addiction leads to social isolation, memory problems and mental health issues, each of which can detrimentally affect performance at work and relationships with friends. Additionally, heroin addicts are putting their children and unborn children at risk for developing an addiction, or putting themselves at risk for being charged with child endangerment.
Heroin addiction will take control of every aspect of life; people neglect their children and any other responsibility they may have. Heroin addiction treatment can help addicts turn their lives around. Treatment for heroin addiction significantly increases the chances of a healthy and happy life, as well as the ability to maintain a sober lifestyle throughout a lifetime.