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The generosity of the staff and peacefulness of the surroundings has given me a serenity and safety I had never experienced before." - Don
News and Events
Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)
Recent Articles
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Physical Effects of Heroin Addiction
In a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, around 2.4 million people have used heroin at some point during their lives, and around 216,00 people reported using it during the month of the survey. This survey also revealed that there were 141,000 new users of heroin during 1995, and many of the new users were either smoking, sniffing or snorting the heroin.
The Canyon is a full-service drug rehab facility that focuses on providing patients with the best possible chances of recovering from their addictions and going on to lead healthy, normal lives. At The Canyon, your success is our success, and we will do everything we can to help you break the cycle of addiction.
The Short-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction
Shortly after heroin is injected or inhaled, it crosses over the barrier between the blood and the brain. Once it enters the brain, it is metabolized and converted into morphine, which binds to the brain's opioid receptors. Immediately after it is taken, heroin produces a surge of pleasure called a "rush," and the intensity depends on how much of the drug was taken. The rapidity of the pleasure of the drug is one of the many reasons why heroin is so addictive. After the rush subsides, the user will typically be drowsy for several hours, and their bodily functions (such as breathing and heart rate) will slow down immensely. If enough drug is taken, this effect can be fatal on the body.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction
One of the worst and most brutal side effects of heroin addiction is the fact that the person is addicted to such a powerful narcotic. Addiction is both physical and psychological, with the body needing more of the drug to produce the same effects each time and the person feeling as though they must procure more of it at any cost. As users become more and more addicted, they spend more and more time seeking out ways of getting the drug, letting other parts of their lives fall by the wayside. If a person doesn't receive a fix of the drug in time, they will experience heroin withdrawal symptoms, which can include pain in the muscles and bones, vomiting, involuntary leg movements and difficulty sleeping. These generally subside within 1 week after the last dose of heroin was taken, and their peak effects happen around 1-2 days after the last dose was taken. Although non-fatal to healthy adults, these effects can seriously harm and even kill a pregnant woman's unborn child. The best choice you can make if you are pregnant and taking heroin is to stop taking it immediately, since use of the drug can cause physical and mental defects to emerge as the child develops in the womb.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at The Canyon
At The Canyon, the Healing Life Program provides patients with the opportunity to reclaim their personal dreams and goals and reawaken a real, authentic relationship with the lives. Through traditional and non-traditional therapies and experience, patients will develop a positive relationship with themselves and learn how to break free from drug addiction. These therapies will not only help them initially, but they will also help them remain clean of drugs for long after they have left the treatment center. Here at The Canyon, your success is our priority, and we'll do everything we can to help you.
If The Canyon isn't right for you, we'll find the place that is.
Articles on Heroin Addiction
- Heroin Use and Pregnancy
- Signs of Heroin Addiction
- Heroin Dependency and Its Dangers
- Heroin Regulation and Control
- Heroin Overdose Dangers
- The Social Effects of Heroin Addiction
- History of Heroin Addiction
- Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
- Heroin Dependency Affects the Family
- Heroin Addiction Treatment for Teens
- Heroin Today
- Heroin Addiction Treatment for Women
- Physical Effects of Heroin Addiction
- The History of Heroin
- Too Much Information on Heroin Use?
- Al Qaeda and Opium
- International Drug Raids Up
- Mike Starr Loses Addiction Battle
- Musician Steve Earle’s Take On Addiction, Through Fiction

