The Effects of Heroin

 Posted on March 07, 2018 in Uncategorized

Heroin has been argued to be one of the most dangerous drugs used in today’s society. Being in possession of heroin can cost you your overall quality of life, including future employment opportunities, positive relationships with family and friends, and your health. There are many named physical effects of heroin use, both short-term and long-term, which can cause many health problems in the future.

Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use

There are many short-term effects of the use of heroin, including a “rush,” or a surge of pleasurable sensation, depressed respiration, clouded mental functioning, nausea and vomiting, and suppression of pain. During the “rush,” the abuser may experience a warm flushing to his or her skin, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and severe itching.

The abuser will typically experience drowsiness for several hours, as his or her mental and heart functions are slowed. The abuser’s breathing can also be slowed to the point of being life-threatening, potentially leading to a coma and permanent brain damage.

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use

Along with the short-term effects of the use of heroin, there are also long-term effects, which can destroy the abuser’s life. Some of the long-term effects include heroin addiction, HIV, hepatitis B, and C, collapsed veins, bacterial infections, abscesses, infection of the heart, arthritis, and kidney and liver disease.

When the abuser repeatedly uses heroin, then he or she will likely experience a huge change in brain functions, causing tolerance and physical dependence to develop. Once the abuser develops a tolerance and dependence to heroin, then he or she will likely become addicted to the drug. No matter how heroin is used, the drug itself is highly addictive. However, smoking and injection allow heroin to reach the brain the fastest and increase the risk of addiction. When an abuser reaches the point of addiction to heroin, seeking and using the drug becomes one of his or her sole purposes in life.

Call a Chicago Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Being charged with possession of heroin is a very serious crime which can come with unwanted consequences. If you have been charged with a drug crime, then you need effective legal representation. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand your rights, and we will go above and beyond to fight for them. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call a Cook County drug crime defense attorney at 312-629-0669 to discuss your case.

Sources:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-long-term-effects-heroin-use

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-medical-complications-chronic-heroin-use