Opiate Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Source - https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/heroin-opiates/dependence

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Dependence and addiction

Opiate drugs are both physically and psychologically addictive. Therefore a person who stops or reduces the amount they use may suffer withdrawal symptoms which include:

• craving the drug
• restlessness
• yawning 
• tears and runny nose
• diarrhoea and vomiting
• low blood pressure
• stomach and muscle cramps
• goose bumps.

Withdrawal 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 include:

• insomnia
• irritability
• appetite loss
• vomiting
• elevated pulse
• muscle spasms 
• depression. 

Sometimes, symptoms 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.

Heroin and other opiates are usually injected which increases the risk of overdose and the transmission of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood borne infections. See our Reducing the harm [link] section to learn more about reducing the risk of spreading blood borne infections.

Methadone in the form of a syrup is often used as a substitute therapy for people addicted to opiates. Substitution therapy helps satisfy cravings for the drug without injecting. This reduces the risks associated with injecting and allows for controlled reduction in dose over time as part of a treatment plan.

Overdose

Taking large amounts of heroin or other opiates can lead to overdose and death.  There are several reasons why an unintentional overdose might occur.

• The purity of opiate drugs is unpredictable so taking a usual dose of an unexpectedly pure batch of opiates could result in overdose. 
• Having a break from opiate use reduces tolerance for the drug so taking what was the usual dose could lead to overdose.  
• First time users are also at risk of overdose, as they do not know what dose their bodies can manage.  
• Use of opiates with heavy alcohol intake also increases the risk of overdose.

During an overdose breathing becomes very slow, the pulse becomes irregular and body temperature drops. Other signs of overdose include blue lips and fingernails, pinpoint pupils, cold skin, convulsions or snoring.  See our How to get help section for advice on dealing with an overdose.

Thank You,