When a heroin abuser takes heroin they can develop a physical dependence to the drug. This means that the heroin abuser can develop tolerance towards heroin, requiring more and more heroin to achieve the original effect. Someone undergoes heroin withdrawal after they develop a physical dependence and does not consume the heroin regularly or at a high enough dosage. The severity of heroin withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the dosage, regularity, and when they last took heroin. Some symptoms commonly associated with heroin withdrawal are:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cramps
- Insomnia
- Cold sweats
- Severe muscle aches (notably in legs)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Heroin withdrawal will usually occur about 6-24 hours after the last dosage of heroin and can last between 3-7 days. Even when withdrawal is over it can take several months for a former heroin addict to recover psychologically.
