Underground Journal

Effects of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin, a drug derived from opium, is used both to treat pain and as a recreational drug. It is estimated that there are over 17 million heroin abusers across the world. Prolonged use of heroin typically results in severe dependence and evolves into addiction. Most people use heroin recreationally because it relaxes them and provides a state of euphoria. It is extremely difficult to break a heroin addiction, and the symptoms of withdrawal are quite severe.

The symptoms of heroin withdrawal usually begin within 24 hours of discontinuing the use of the drug. These symptoms are very severe, and can be unbearable for the person experiencing them. For this reason, many heroin abusers return to the drug for relief. This cycle can continue for years, with the person never fully breaking their addiction to this recreational drug. Sudden heroin withdrawal can also be fatal for users that are extremely dependent on the drug.

The symptoms of heroin withdrawal typically include feelings of restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes. Some users going through withdrawal also experience muscle and bone pain, and kicking movements that they are unable to control or stop. These symptoms peak anywhere from 48 to 72 hours after the person took their last dose of the drug. It takes about a week for the symptoms of heroin withdrawal to completely go away.

Depending on their personal choice, heroin addicts can either choose to go through withdrawal alone or check into a rehabilitation center. In a rehabilitation center, medical professionals can give the patient other medications to counteract the effects of heroin withdrawal. This makes it much easier for the person to suffer through the symptoms than it would be without medication. Rehabilitation centers also offer much-needed support for addicts, including group and individual therapy sessions. Heroin addicts who choose to go through withdrawal in a rehabilitation center are much more likely to kick their drug addiction than those who decide to try it alone.

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