It’s estimated that 300 to 500 people start using heroin each day in the US. And in 2021 alone, over 9,000 individuals died from an overdose involving heroin [1].
People who use heroin are not only at risk of a life-threatening overdose but can also have several short and long-term effects that impact their physical and mental health. These can include the impairment of major organs, infections such as HIV, and increasing the risk of mental health problems.
Read on to learn what heroin is, the long-term effects it can have on someone’s life, and how to support a loved one struggling with heroin addiction.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an illicit opioid derived from morphine, an opiate extracted from the poppy plant. It is sold on the street as a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance. Heroin is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is not approved for medical use and has a high potential for addiction.
It is typically injected, smoked, and sometimes snorted. The effects are felt almost immediately as the drug enters the bloodstream quickly. It binds to and activates opioid receptors in the brain—causing a spike in euphoria and relaxation [2].
Rates of Use and Overdose
Although the rates of heroin use have slowly decreased in recent years, overdose rates remain high. According to the CDC:
- In 2019, almost 750,000 people in the US abused heroin
- In 2020, more than 13,000 deaths in the US were from heroin
- In 2022, around 7% of all opioid deaths included heroin
- From 1999-2020 the annual number of heroin overdose deaths increased by nearly 700%
Short-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse
People who abuse heroin often experience several short-term side effects. Heroin first provides a rush of pleasure and aids in pain reduction, but as soon the initial effects of the drug are off, it can lead to distressing and often painful symptoms. This is what makes heroin so difficult to withdraw from and strengthens the cycle of addiction.
Some of the short-term effects of heroin abuse include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of motor skills
- Catatonia
- Dry mouth
- Decreased cognitive functioning
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use
Individuals who use heroin can also have several long-term effects that impact their physical health, mental health, and daily functioning.
Risk of Addiction
One of the most well-researched effects of heroin use is how quickly it increases opioid tolerance and leads to addiction. One study from Michigan State University found that over one-third of heroin users developed a dependency on the drug within the first 1 to 12 months of use [3].
Damages Necessary Physiological Functions
Heroin affects key regions of the brain that control physiological functions necessary to live, such as the brain stem. It regulates autonomic activity, such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate. When heroin binds to opioid receptors, it can slow down the activity in the brain stem, leading to fatal overdoses.
Increased Risk of Infections
Many heroin users consume the drug by injecting it with potentially already-used or unsanitary needles. This can increase the risk of collapsed veins, blood clots in the arteries, and serious viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. According to the World Health Organization, around 10% of global HIV cases are caused by drug injection [4].
Alters Brain Structure
Long-term heroin use can physically change structures in the brain, impacting neuron networks and hormonal systems. Studies have shown that heroin use can deteriorate white matter in the brain—affecting cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, the ability to regulate behavior, and stress response [2].
Increases Chance of Mental Health Problems
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin affects brain chemistry by “hijacking the brain’s risk and reward system.” Heroin releases “artificial pleasure,” and in return, the brain decreases the production of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.
The disruption of these neurotransmitters can lead to several mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, stress, aggression, and mania [2].
Financial Struggles
Heroin can make it hard to function in the workplace, increasing the risk of losing one’s job and causing financial insecurity. It is also extremely costly to maintain a heroin habit.
A single-use bag of heroin typically costs between $5 and $20, although street prices fluctuate day-to-day. Those with a severe heroin addiction have reported purchasing between 10-15 bags in a single day, and spending up to $1,750 a week on heroin [5].
Strained Relationships
Addiction not only affects the individual but their loved ones as well. Someone with a heroin use problem may lie, steal, or manipulate to maintain their addiction. This is why it’s so important to set boundaries with a loved one in active addiction, while still keeping in mind that their behaviors aren’t a moral flaw or representation of their character, unfortunately, just the reality of addiction.
Supporting A Loved One With Heroin Addiction
Although it can be distressing to watch a loved one struggle with heroin addiction, there are several steps you can take to support them.
- Encourage them to take the first step in overcoming addiction and seek help from a licensed treatment professional. If you can, help them reach out to rehab centers or an addiction specialist for support.
- Offer your support by letting them know you are there for them and are willing to help when possible. This could include providing emotional support, helping them with daily tasks, or simply actively listening to their struggles.
- Set boundaries about what you can and can’t help them with. Supporting your loved one in addiction is important, but you also have to take care of your own mental health. You also don’t want to enable their addiction, so consider setting financial limits and letting them know you won’t always give them money if they ask to borrow.
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery. This may give you better insight into what they are going through. Consider reading some guides on addiction or attending a support group. A few resources to get you started include:
- Encourage your loved one to adopt healthy habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These can all contribute to their health and recovery.
Heroin Detox and Residential Treatment in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands the difficulty of breaking an addiction to heroin. We prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort during treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you recover safely, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Heroin Overdose Prevention. 2024. CDC.
[2] Heroin Research Report. 2013. National Institue on Drug Abuse.
[3] 30 percent of new heroin users become dependent in the first year. 2018. Michigan State University.
[4]Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes. 2020. World Health Organization.
[5] How Much Do Drugs Cost. 2023. Addiction Center.
