According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the heroin withdrawal symptoms experienced by physically dependent addicts are rarely life threatening. These effects, however, can be extremely painful both physically and mentally, making it very hard to stop abusing such drugs. The actual symptoms of withdrawal can begin as soon as a few hours after the last time the drug was administered and are usually at their worst in the first two to three days.
Mental Symptoms
The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports a host of mental conditions present in addicts undergoing heroin withdrawal. Most of these are extremely persistent and some can be life threatening. For example, an addict might experience agitation and anxiety severe enough to cause insomnia, and sometimes, episodes of panic or extreme mental instability can trigger suicidal thoughts. Because heroin is such a strong opiate, its mental effects are often long-lasting. Many people continue to have withdrawal symptoms for months, although these are often much milder than the original symptoms they experienced.
Physical Symptoms
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the mental symptoms heroin addicts experience during withdrawal are accompanied by a number of physical symptoms. Heroin users often complain about muscle and bone pains. It's not uncommon for addicts to lose some control over their body during withdrawal, experiencing spasms and involuntary movements, such as kicking. They might experience itchy skin, repeated yawning, watery eyes and loss of appetite. Sometimes, an addict's blood pressure will rise quickly, her breathing might slow and she might develop fevers. While these symptoms are not life threatening, others are, including arrhythmia, stroke, heart attack and even coma.
Extreme Craving
The physical and mental effects caused by withdrawal on addicts can be extremely painful, so it is not surprising that users often relapse in an attempt to seek a more pleasurable state. After all, those addicted to heroin often start using the substance as a means of escape. The hope that the depressive effect of heroin could take the pain away can be very strong. A feeling of craving is reported by most all addicts that undergo withdrawal from any drug. Often, the urge to use the drug is a reaction to the painful effects brought on by withdrawal. However, some studies estimate that approximately 25 percent to 40 percent of people who use heroin are also psychologically dependent on the drug, making the likelihood of severe withdrawal symptoms, extreme craving and relapse even greater.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Opiate Withdrawal
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Heroin
- "Heroin: Myths and Reality"; Jara Krivanek; 1988.
