Heroin withdrawal symptoms

When an addict use heroin on a regular basis, tolerance develops. It means the abuser must use more and more heroin to achieve the same intensity (high) or effect. As higher doses are used over time, physical dependence and addiction occur. With physical dependence, the body has adapted to the presence of the heroin and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use is only reduced or stopped.

Withdrawal, which in regular abusers may occur as early as four to six hours after the last administration of the drug, produces:

  • drug craving
  • restlessness
  • muscle and bone pain, insomnia
  • diarrhea and vomiting
  • cold sweats with goose bumps ("cold turkey")
  • kicking movements ("kicking the habit") and other symptoms.

Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health can sometime be fatal, although heroin withdrawal is considered much less dangerous than alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal.

As withdrawal progresses, elevations in blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature occur. Symptoms of overdose -- which may result in death -- include shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions and coma.

  • Regardless of dosage and frequency, these reactions may appear

  • Convulsions
  • Increased heart rate
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Heart attack
  • Sudden, sharp blood
  • pressure increase
  • Stroke
  • Extreme depression
  • Suicidal behavior

 

 

 

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Withdrawal effects per drugs

Alcohol

Benzodiazepine

Cocaine

Crack cocaine

Heroin

Marijuana

Methamphetamine

Opiates

 

 

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