We're here to help! Call us 24/7 at 770-299-1677.

Using Heroin: What are the Short Term and Long Term Effects?

The effects of heroin can be intense, immediate and should not be underestimated. That being said, there are some long-term effects of heroin use that many people are unaware of. Below we take a look at the effects of heroin, both long-term and short-term.

In this article

Overview of Heroin Effects

Some of the most immediate and obvious effects of heroin are its depression of cognition and sensation. Heroin acts as a powerful central and peripheral nervous system depressant and painkiller. Depending on the route taken, heroin can have different strengths and durations. For example, when eating or snorting heroin, it is broken down into morphine through the first-pass metabolism. It will not produce the same intensity of euphoria associated with heroin use. Heroin itself is biologically inactive. It’s only once the body metabolizes heroin that it produces any effect.

To get an idea of what makes heroin so potent, let’s look at the proper name: di (2) acetyl (methyl/carbonyl group) morphine (primary drug). This simply means that heroin is morphine with 2 added acetyl groups. Acetylation is commonly used in organic chemistry to enhance the delivery of a drug across the blood-brain barrier. These acetyl groups allow a large amount of heroin to get into the brain very quickly. When heroin is injected, it is able to enter the brain before breaking down, allowing it to metabolize inside the brain. Once metabolized in the brain, heroin breaks down into the active drugs morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM). These are the ones responsible for the high and euphoria that heroin produces.

Short-Term Effects of Heroin Use

Because of the speed heroin can enter the brain, there will be a surge of morphine delivered in a single dose and massive activation of the opioid receptors in the brain. This is much more powerful than taking morphine alone. It produces an intense rush of euphoria, relaxation, pain reduction, and a sense of wellbeing.

When injecting heroin, the effects felt are almost immediate. Some of the direct physical symptoms that are produced include:

  • Slowed Heart Rate
  • Depressed Breathing
  • Constricted Pupils
  • Hoarse Voice (due to dry mouth and throat)
  • Pale or Grey Skin
  • Nodding Off (brief lapses in consciousness)
  • Clouded or Slow Thinking
  • Itchiness
  • Decreased Appetite
  • Vomiting (some people vomit regularly when using heroin, while others rarely vomit)

Someone who has recently used heroin may also be easily agitated or irritable. They may also appear very tired or as if they are thinking and moving in slow motion. Users may also “nod off” while sitting, talking, standing, or in the middle of performing a simple task. They may awaken after a second or slowly relax until they jolt themselves awake by losing their balance. When heroin is injected, these effects may last for an hour or two and will slowly wear off over the next few hours.

Short and Long Term Effects of Heroin

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use

One of the more dangerous effects of long-term heroin use is tolerance buildup. This means that the brain and body have adapted to the presence of heroin through a process called down-regulation. More heroin is needed to produce the same effects. This happens very early and only escalates as more heroin is used. The development of tolerance also means that someone will feel increasingly uncomfortable without heroin. It is possible that after using heroin for long enough, a user’s body may never return to the tolerance levels they had before. This means that any opioid painkillers they may need for serious pain issues will be less effective. Medical help is highly recommended if someone is in this situation. Entering a detox center can help address these issues immediately.

Some of the more long-term effects of heroin use will take at least several weeks of regular use to appear. These issues have a wide range of severity and include simple discomfort, danger, and seven death. A few of the long-term effects may include:

  • Chronic Constipation. This is unpleasant on its own and may lead to rectal prolapse, impacted stool, and other gastrointestinal issues.
  • Tooth Decay. Due to chronic dry mouth as well as decreased focus on personal hygiene.
  • Reproductive Dysfunction. In men, heroin can interfere with the ability to orgasm. In women, it may cause menstrual abnormalities.
  • Malnutrition. Chronic low appetite can lead to a host of other issues caused by malnutrition.
  • Insomnia. While “nodding off” is common, actual REM and deep sleep can become difficult after prolonged heroin use.
  • Compromised Immune System. This is due to malnutrition, decreased metabolism, and repeated injection wounds.
  • Respiratory Disease. People who use heroin suffer a higher incidence of lung-related health issues such as pneumonia.
  • Decreased Ability to Manage Pain. Due to tolerance, other painkillers won’t work as well if and when they are needed for injuries or surgery.
  • Increased Anxiety. After prolonged heroin use, it is not uncommon for someone to have difficulty managing their anxiety levels.
  • Increased Depression. Heroin use often becomes the main objective in someone’s life. There is usually very little motivation for anything else.
  • Increased Risk of Organ Damage. IV drug use poses unique risks for many organs such as the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and brain.

The absolute best way to avoid these issues is to stop using heroin as soon as possible. This often requires help. Entering an IOP in Atlanta can provide the support necessary to begin the road to recovery.

You Aren’t Alone

We’re Here To Help

Get help now

We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process. Our sincere passion is helping people recover so that they can live full, meaningful, and healthy lives.

Call us 24/7 at 770-299-1677 or fill out our contact form and a member of our admissions team will contact you shortly.