Effects of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is one of the most commonly used drugs in the opiate family, and it is the most addictive. A byproduct of morphine, heroin is usually injected, but can also be snorted or smoked. One can expect a euphoric rush in about seven or eight seconds when injecting heroin intravenously. This is accompanied by a warm sensation on the skin, dry mouth, and the feeling that the arms and legs are heavy. The pupils become constricted, and breathing becomes slower. This can last for several hours after which the user may feel periods of wakefulness and sleepiness. The short-term effects may be slower breathing to the post of respiratory failure, nausea, and vomiting. Addiction is the most dangerous and common long-term effect of heroin. When a user comes down from the heroin, he begins to feel the need to use the drug again quite rapidly. The user develops a tolerance for the drug; therefore, more use and stronger heroin is needed to achieve the initial euphoria felt by the user. Other long-term effects include collapsed veins, cellulites, liver disease, pulmonary complications, and infection of the heart and lungs. Overcoming heroin addiction is very difficult and usually must involve medical care. The addict will have severe cravings accompanied by vomiting, body aches, and anxiety. This could last as long as a week. Many rehabilitation clinics will recommend the use of methadone to counter the symptoms of withdrawal until the user has recovered.

Short Term Effects

 UCSB Alcohol and Drug Program

• National Institute on Drug Abuse

• Utah Department of Human Services

• Archives of General Psychiatry

• Friends of Narconon

• The Endowment for Human Development

• Heroin Facts and Figures

 Long Term Effects

•  The Effect of Heroin on Verbal Memory

• NYC Health

• The Brain: Understanding Neurobiology

• The Consequences of Long-Term Heroin Addiction

• Methoide