The long-term effects of heroin are well-documented, yet millions of people continue to abuse this dangerous substance. Heroin abuse in 2022 saw over 100,000 deaths related to heroin and other types of opioid overdose deaths1. If you are struggling with a heroin addiction, the best course of action is to enroll in a rehab facility and safely begin the detox and recovery process.
Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek’s team works with Florida residents who struggle with heroin addiction and need help with stopping the abuse before causing permanent harm. Our therapists take the time to develop a close relationship with each patient so they feel comfortable opening up about the reasons behind the abuse. We use a number of therapeutic methods to treat all aspects of the disorder and teach patients healthy coping skills to manage their symptoms and triggers.
Schedule a tour of our heroin rehab in Coconut Creek today by calling 866.693.3871 to speak with our dedicated team.
Why Is Heroin Abuse So Dangerous?
Heroin is a type of synthetic opioid that is made from morphine, which is derived from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. It is a fast-acting drug that signals mu-opioid cell receptors to release a massive amount of dopamine and serotonin. These two neurotransmitters are responsible for making you feel happy and relaxed. High levels of these neurotransmitters can cause:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
The dangers of abusing heroin come from its fast-acting properties. The intense euphoria is something your body cannot produce without more heroin, and the more you take, the more your body will crave. Regular use creates a physical dependence on heroin, along with addictive cravings and temptations.
If the abuse is allowed to continue long-term, it can lead to physical illnesses and increasingly worsening mental health.
Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek supports individuals with a heroin addiction who are ready to get mentally and physically healthy. Our programs include medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawals and cravings and behavioral therapies to teach patients healthy ways of managing their symptoms and triggers.
The Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Heroin abuse can be deadly if not properly treated through an accredited addiction treatment program. In addition to dependence and addiction, here are some other long-term effects of heroin abuse:
Physical Health
Heroin has a very harmful effect on the body and attacks several vital organs. Liver and kidney damage is common, as is pneumonia, tuberculosis, and increased risk of HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, and other intravenous infections. Other physical health issues include:
- Collapsed veins
- Chronic constipation
- Heart disease
- Skin infections
- Brain damage
- Infertility and miscarriages in women
If you experience any of these illnesses due to heroin abuse, it is imperative you seek help before it is too late.
Mental Health
Heroin abuse can lead to severe mental health disorders and cognitive decline. Depression, anxiety, and personality disorders are common when abusing heroin. It can also affect your mental cognition and ability to concentrate for more than a few minutes.
Other potential disorders include bipolar disorders, major depressive disorder, panic disorders, and schizophrenia.
Professional and Personal Life
Heroin will also ruin personal and professional relationships. It can cause aggressive or violent mood swings and intense cravings that can overwhelm a person and cause them to act out of character. Even if you micro-dose or use heroin to cope with bad days, it can still lead to addiction and harm not only yourself but your loved ones as well.
Those who abuse heroin are at an increased risk of:
- Financial problems
- Divorce
- Job loss
- Neglecting children
- Legal issues
- Homelessness
- Isolation
The potential harm that comes with using heroin far outweighs any brief pleasure the drug creates. If you are ready to stop, enroll in a rehab program to get the proper care you need, as well as help in avoiding relapsing.
Find Comprehensive Heroin Rehab at Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek
Evoke Wellness at Coconut Creek supports all people with heroin addiction who are ready to stop harming themselves and their loved ones. Each program includes a mix of therapies and treatments that support long-lasting recovery, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and family therapy/counseling.
Today is a perfect day to start a healing journey. Call 866.693.3871 today or reach out online to enroll in our heroin rehab program in Coconut Creek.
Footnotes
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts”
