Clean Recovery Centers Informs of Heroin’s Effects

Tampa, FL – In their recent blog post, Clean Recovery Centers is educating the community on the side effects of heroin. Millions of people use heroin each year, and the Tampa area is no stranger to this use. By providing educational tools and resources to the community, Clean Recovery Centers opens the door to the health risks of substance misuse, and gives those affected a place to heal.

“First, what is heroin? Derived from morphine, heroin is a man-made opioid that is usually injected, smoked, or snorted. Some of the most common side effects first noticed include a ‘rush’ of euphoria and relaxation. However, continued heroin use can lead to much more lengthy complications over time,” the article states.

The most common short-term side effects of heroin use include drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing of the skin, itchiness, obscured thinking, and heaviness in the arms and legs. These effects appear relatively quickly and typically happen each time heroin is used. There is no way to avoid the side effects.

Long-term side effects tend to be more severe, and can affect the person both physically and mentally. Constipation and digestive problems are common in both short-term and long-term heroin use. For those that inject heroin, collapsed veins with scarring and abscesses are often seen. Snorting heroin will damage the tissues that separate the nasal passages. For men, sexual dysfunction is noted while women experience irregular menstrual cycles.

Heroin works in the brain by binding to opioid receptors, developing a need within the system. The receptors become desensitized to the amount of heroin being taken in, and will require more to feel the same effects. When this happens, withdrawal symptoms can appear between use. Common withdrawal symptoms include yawning, mood swings, muscle aches, insomnia, chills or goosebumps, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Heroin can also cause forgetfulness or an increase in sleep, which can cause people to neglect basic needs like eating. Poor nutrition combined with a weakened immune system makes it very difficult for the body to heal from infections and wounds, leading to further medical complications.

“While there are many physical effects of a heroin use disorder, the mental and emotional side can be just as problematic. Withdrawing from friends and family to focus on use results in loss of relationships. Anxiety and depression increase both while using heroin and in between uses. Because heroin can cause ins and outs of consciousness, poor school or work performance are inevitable,” the blog continues.

The most dangerous effect of heroin is the potential for an overdose. When the body and brain become overwhelmed with the amount of heroin taken, resulting in an intense slowing of the central nervous system. Breathing can slow so much that it stops completely. This results in hypoxia, or lack of oxygen within the body. Organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart will begin to shut down. If ever an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Clean Recovery Centers is more than just a drug rehab. They offer a unique, three-phase approach to addiction treatment that can fulfill the needs of their many different clients. Mental health is a priority, and the staff at Clean can diagnose a mental health condition at any phase of treatment and adjust the path accordingly. Each facility has different housing options during each phase for those who need it. The goal of Clean Recovery Centers is to help all of their clients get clean, live clean, and stay clean.

Those wishing to know more about Clean Recovery Centers and their unique program, can call their service line at (888) 330-2532 or visit their website. A live chat is also available to answer questions 24/7.