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5 Ways Heroin Use Can Kill You

young man sitting alone in his room contemplating the 5 ways heroin can kill you

Is heroin deadly? Yes, heroin is a very dangerous drug that can kill you if you misuse it. You can overdose on it alone or in combination with other drugs. Use increases the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases like hepatitis or HIV. Heroin impacts mental health and can contribute to suicide risk. It puts stress on the body and damages organs. With the proper knowledge and support, you can avoid the many dangers associated with this powerful drug.

Michael’s House is a leading provider of addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to helping individuals recover from the effects of heroin use, offering a range of therapies and evidence-based treatments to help you achieve lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use, contact us today at 760.548.4032 to learn more about a heroin addiction treatment program.

1. Heroin Overdose Can Lead to Death

Some may wonder, “Is heroin deadly?” If you use heroin, you are at high risk of overdose. Any use is dangerous. First-time users can overdose. Individuals who have been using heroin for years and believe they know their tolerance levels can overdose. Heroin overdose is a real danger and has become an increasingly common one. 

Heroin overdose is not a rare phenomenon. It is not an outdated one or a problem of the past. Heroin overdose can result in death. The only way to prevent overdose is to end heroin use. Michael’s House can help you, or a loved one end overdose risk. We create personalized paths to health and freedom. We work with you to find effective evidence-based treatment options. By ending heroin use, you end the risk of overdose.

2. Heroin Use Is Often Combined with Other Drug Use

Heroin is dangerous enough on its own. When it is used with other drugs, associated risks increase. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates, “People often use heroin along with other drugs or alcohol. This practice is especially dangerous because it increases the risk of overdose.” This increased overdose risk isn’t rare. 

Most drug users are polydrug users. They use more than one substance at a time or one drug to counteract the unwanted effects of another. The CDC explains that the people most at risk for heroin addiction are those already addicted to opioid painkillers, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. If you are already addicted to prescription opioid painkillers, you are more likely to become addicted to heroin when you use more than one substance at a time.

3. Heroin Use Increases the Risk of Infectious Diseases

Using heroin puts you at risk of contracting infectious diseases like hepatitis B, C, and HIV. These health conditions are treatable and manageable. However, untreated hepatitis leads to liver failure or liver cancer, and HIV leads to AIDS and destroys the immune system. Intravenous drug use significantly increases the likelihood of contracting hepatitis, AIDS, and other infectious diseases. Drug use impacts judgment and inhibitions even if individuals do not inject heroin. Users are more likely to engage in unprotected sex and have multiple partners. They are more likely to have accidents or injuries where blood-related safety isn’t a priority. Heroin doesn’t have to kill you directly.

It can open the door for other diseases to do so. This is why addiction treatment begins with a complete health assessment. Treatment at Michael’s House does more than address immediate drug use. Patients have the chance to learn how to take control of their health and their future. You can live a long, healthy, and enjoyable life by ending heroin use and seeking treatment.

4. Heroin Can Kill Through Suicide

Heroin can kill through its relationship to suicide. Studies have shown that heroin users are more likely to try to commit suicide than non-heroin-using peers. Heroin users face the same mental health and happiness challenges as the general population. They have the added stress, influence, and pressures of heroin. Heroin impacts mental health creates new lows, and provides easy access to methods for self-harm. 

The drug affects relationships that would otherwise support mental health. It impacts finances and employment. The drug can leave individuals feeling lost and alone, although this is never the case. Through treatment, users can rebuild relationships with loved ones. You forge new, healthy friendships with peers in recovery. At Michael’s House, you can access 24-hour, long-term access to professionals. You can reach out and find support when you need it.

5. Heroin Overdose Stresses Overall Health

Heroin use puts your health at risk. The use of the drug increases the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases. Additionally, long-term use leads to an accumulation of side effects and internal damage. Heroin users may experience bacterial infections in blood vessels, the skin, or the heart. Infections may travel to or appear in other vital organs and lead to the death of cells in these organs.

When you struggle with addiction, you are unlikely to eat well or stay physically active. You are unlikely to participate in self-care and treat your mind, body, and spirit as they should be. Michael’s House can include nutritional counseling as part of your overall treatment plan. We can help you restore balance and learn how eating well relates to feeling good and staying healthy. 

We can help you explore ways of staying active, which can involve traditional exercise, but it doesn’t have to. You can do yoga, hike, dance, or find activities that are fun for you. We are here at any time to help you create your customized path to wellness. Heroin robs you of your overall health. It doesn’t have to rob you of your life. Take action, and take back control.

How Can Heroin Addiction Treatment Help?

Addiction is a severe disease. It is not something to be taken lightly or treated with short-term solutions. Heroin addiction is no different from any other form of addiction. While many individuals can quit heroin alone, most people continue using unless they identify and address underlying causes for drug use.

You can choose from various therapies and treatment modalities at Michael’s House. We work to identify the triggers for your use and the underlying issues that led you to heroin in the first place. Some benefits of seeking out treatment can include the following:

  • A better understanding of your own health needs and how to achieve them
  • Improved relationships with family, friends, and peers in recovery
  • Support in learning new coping skills that promote long-term sobriety
  • Strategies for preventing relapse and managing triggers
  • Access to medical professionals who can help you manage any co-occurring conditions
  • Help in facing your addiction and taking steps toward long-term healing

At Michael’s House, we believe that everyone can have a healthy and happy life. It is never too late to reach out for support. With help, you can take back control and begin living your best life today.

Find Addiction Treatment with Help from Michael’s House

Is heroin deadly? Yes, heroin is deadly. But it is treatable with addiction treatment. You don’t have to live in fear of overdose. You can avoid contracting infectious diseases or learn to manage the ones you face. You don’t have to despair or damage your body. You can find recovery and health. We offer a clear path away from heroin. It can be challenging to reach out to help when you are struggling. But with the proper support and treatment, you can regain control of your health, relationships, and life. To learn more about our treatment programs and how you can access them, contact us at 760.548.4032.

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