Monday, July 20, 2020

Heroins Long Term Effects on the Body

Heroin's Long Term Effects on the Body Addiction Drug Use Heroin Print Heroins Long Term Effects on the Body By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on August 16, 2019 Doug Menuez / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Heroin Cocaine Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery The long-term and short-term effects of heroin use wreak havoc on your body.  When a user does  heroin  repeatedly, it can  cause actual changes  in the physical structure and physiology of the brain which can create long-term imbalances in the neuronal and hormonal systems. These changes are difficult to reverse.?? Increased Tolerance The long-term effects of heroin use on your brain have major implications. When you do heroin, it bonds to your brains opiate receptors. The opioid receptors in a frequent users brain become less responsive to heroin. Now the users tolerance increases and he must use ever-increasing  amounts of heroin to get the desired effect.?? Like many illicit drugs, heroin use can produce profound levels of tolerance and physical dependence. Tolerance means the user requires more and more of the drug to feel the same effects and dependence means withdrawal symptoms will manifest if the user attempts to quit using abruptly.?? Dopamine Production More severe than tolerance, long-term heroin use affects dopamine production in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a large role in how your brain controls emotion, feelings of pleasure, and movement.?? Heroin triggers dopamine production, along with other neurochemicals. However, the brain reduces production of domaine it and starts relying on heroin use as the primary source of production. A shortage of dopamine is linked to symptoms of Parkinsons disease.?? If the user doesnt get his fix and add dopamine  to his body, withdrawal symptoms begin. The long-term consequence here is at some point your brain becomes unable to regulate its own neurochemical levels. Withdrawal Symptoms When someone abruptly quits using heroin, withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours. Usually, the most severe withdrawal symptoms peak between 24 and 48 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. However, some users  experience persistent symptoms for many months.?? When an addict stops using heroin, they experience withdrawal symptoms if they dont get a fix. This is one reason why its so difficult to kick a heroin habit.  Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:?? Insomnia and restlessnessDiarrhea and vomitingMuscle and bone painCold flashes with goosebumpsSporadic leg movements Risks of Addiction Probably the most common long-term effect of heroin use is an addictionâ€"described by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.?? Heroin addiction causes the user to experience uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior regardless of the consequences. Heroin addiction is so profound that seeking and using the drug can become the primary purpose in the addicts life.