The effects of heroin often depend on the dose you take, your height and weight, and whether you’re taking any other illegal or prescription drugs. For example, taking heroin amongst other depressants such as methadone, alcohol, or sleeping pills could increase the effects of heroin, increasing the chances of an overdose.
When heroin enters your brain, it converts to morphine, binding to your opioid receptors. This typically causes a surge of pleasure – which often comes with a dry mouth, heavy feelings in the extremities, and dry mouth.
However, you may also experience negative effects such as itching, vomiting, and nausea. It can cloud your judgement, slow down your breathing, and even cause permanent brain damage.
The length of the immediate effects of heroin can vary depending on the method of use – for example, when you smoke heroin, you may feel the effects for up to an hour, but snorting and injecting heroin can make the effects longer and feel more intense. Regardless of how you take heroin, the after-effects can last much longer.
Some long-term effects of heroin abuse may include insomnia, skin infections (e.g cellulitis), collapsed veins (when injected), mental health issues, lung disease (e.g pneumonia), liver and kidney issues, menstrual issues, and many more.