Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Using large doses of heroin and other opiates can lead to death. This can be because the user has used too much heroin or a particularly strong or pure batch.

Breathing becomes very slow, the pulse becomes irregular and the body temperature drops. Blue lips and fingernails, pinpoint pupils, cold skin, convulsions and snoring can also indicate an overdose.

Because opiates cause physically dependency, a person who stops or reduces the amount they use may suffer withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include craving the drug, restlessness, yawning, tears, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, goose bumps and a runny nose. These symptoms usually peak around two to four days after the last time a person uses the drug.

Other symptoms that may last up to a week after last use include insomnia, irritability, appetite loss, vomiting, elevated pulse, muscle spasms and emotional depression. Sometimes, symptoms including chronic depression, anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss and agitation. Further cravings for the drug can last for months and even years.

Sudden withdrawal from opiates rarely causes death unless the user is using other drugs and/or is in poor health.