Which Issue Is Related To Long-Term Heroin Use? Pleasure, Depression, Hypoxia, Mood Swings

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that can have serious and lasting effects on the body and mind. Heroin use can cause short-term effects such as euphoria, pain relief, drowsiness, and nausea. However, heroin use can also lead to long-term effects that can impair physical and mental health, increase the risk of infections and diseases, and cause dependence and addiction.

Pleasure

One of the main reasons why people use heroin is to experience the intense rush of pleasure that it produces. Heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating pain, reward, and mood. By activating these receptors, heroin can create a sense of well-being, happiness, and satisfaction.

However, this pleasure comes at a high cost. Repeated heroin use can change the brain’s chemistry and structure, making it harder to feel pleasure from natural sources such as food, social interactions, or hobbies. This can lead to tolerance, which means that more heroin is needed to achieve the same effect. It can also lead to dependence, which means that the body needs heroin to function normally and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Finally, it can lead to addiction, which is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite negative consequences.

According to NIDA, heroin addiction is a serious condition that can affect many aspects of a person’s life, such as their relationships, work, education, health, and legal status. Heroin addiction can also increase the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.

Depression

Another long-term effect of heroin use is depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. Depression can interfere with daily functioning and reduce the quality of life.

Heroin use can contribute to depression in several ways. First, heroin use can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in regulating mood and emotion. Second, heroin use can cause or worsen existing mental health problems, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Third, heroin use can cause or exacerbate social and environmental stressors, such as isolation, stigma, poverty, violence, or trauma.

According to Addiction Resource, depression is a common co-occurring disorder among people who use heroin. Co-occurring disorders are when a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more challenging and require integrated care that addresses both issues simultaneously.

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition where the body or a part of the body does not receive enough oxygen. Hypoxia can cause damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Hypoxia can also impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making.

Heroin use can cause hypoxia in several ways. First, heroin use can depress the respiratory system, which means that breathing becomes slower and shallower. This can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the blood and the tissues. Second, heroin use can cause pulmonary edema or fluid accumulation in the lungs. This can impair gas exchange and oxygen delivery. Third, heroin use can cause pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the lungs. This can block blood flow and oxygen supply.

According to Vertava Health, hypoxia is one of the most dangerous long-term effects of heroin use. Hypoxia can lead to irreversible brain damage or death if not treated promptly.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are sudden and extreme changes in mood or emotional state. Mood swings can affect a person’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Mood swings can also affect a person’s relationships, work performance, and self-esteem.

Heroin use can cause mood swings in several ways. First, heroin use can alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which are involved in regulating mood and emotion. Second, heroin use can create a cycle of highs and lows, where a person feels euphoric and relaxed after using heroin, but then feels depressed and anxious when the drug wears off or when withdrawal symptoms set in. Third, heroin use can affect other factors that influence mood, such as sleep quality, nutrition, physical activity, and social support.

According to Recovery.org, mood swings are one of the common long-term effects of heroin use. Mood swings can make it difficult for a person to cope with stress, manage emotions, and maintain stability. Mood swings can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions among people who use heroin.

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