Can you die when detoxing off heroin?

Answer 1

The only way that withdrawals can kill is if your organs shut down. This is usually because you've been doing it so long that your body can't take the shock of withdrawals. It can also happen if you are too weak or physically deteriorated to handle it.

Answer 2

YES. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opiate. And abrupt cessation of any opiate drug after regular use will cause opioid withdrawal syndrome. Typically, these adverse symptoms can be minimized or in some cases largely avoided if a slow-taper regimen is used and/or if replacement therapy is utilized (such as with methadone or suboxone). Abstinence symptoms are very similar to those experienced after abrupt discontinuation with other commonly prescribed opiates or painkillers (unlike heroin, which is not prescribed as a painkiller in the U.S. and most of the Western world). To name a few, such examples are: oxycodone (percocet, oxycontin), hydrocodone (vicodin), codeine, morphine, propoxyphene (darvocet) and fentanyl.

Although with these other opiates, duration and intensity of withdrawal can differ depending on potency and the duration of the specific drug's effects (intensity and duration of withdrawal is directly proportional to the intensity and duration of the relative drug's intoxicating/psychoactive effects--although other factors such as dosage, regularity of dosage, & duration of continued heroin and/or opiate use can increase both the intensity and duration of withdrawal). The following illustrates this point: heroin withdrawal is usually more intense but with a relatively less duration (2-15 days) due to its short-acting effects (2-5 hours); compare this to buprenorphine--or suboxone (brand name)--which is very long acting in its therapeutic and/or recreational effects (12-48 hours) and thus causes less intensity of acute withdrawal symptoms, but these rebound effects can linger for a much longer duration (7-40 days).

In regards to heroin: less-often regularity of use, smaller dosages, and/or a relatively short duration of regular use (anywhere from one month at the least, to 10-12 months at the most) will minimize the length and/or intensity of withdrawal. Although those who have used for a year or more, on a daily basis, and/or at higher (or increasing) doses usually experience acute withdrawal for 7-20 days and are at greater risk of lingering symptoms from post acute withdrawal syndrome (see bottom of page).

Acute withdrawal symptoms include the following:

-flu symptoms

-restless leg syndrome

-akathisia (a feeling of extreme, intolerable, & uncomfortable inner restlessness)

-hot flashes/chills

-diarrhea

-increased pain (usually described as "muscle" or "bone" pain)

-nausea/vomiting

-extreme cravings

-tremors

-paranoia

-dysphoria

-extreme depression; possible exasperated and/or exaggerated mental illness

-lethargy & weakness

-cramps and/or extremely negative gastrointestinal effects

-insomnia

-anxiety, hypertension, panic attacks and/or tachycardia (rapid heart beat)

-perspiration (sweating)

-rhinitis (runny nose) & similar effects such as increased salivating or watering eyes

-yawning & sneezing

In Addition:

Among a minority of opiate users post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is experienced, symptoms of which usually include: insomnia, dysphoria, anxiety, depression, lethargy, & weakness. PAWS is post acute, therefore these are symptoms that are experienced after the initial detox period; and can last anywhere from months to years after the acute, physical withdrawal symptoms have subsided. This syndrome is most commonamong longtime, daily, and/or high dosage users.

Answer 3

Heroin withdrawal won't kill you directly but it can cause depression which could lead a person to suicidal thoughts. Typically withdrawal symptoms will begin 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of heroin is taken, peaking within 1 to 3 days, and gradually subsiding over 5 to 7 days. However, some users experience weeks or months of withdrawal symptoms, known as 'post acute withdrawal syndrome' or (PAWS).

Everyone's experience of heroin withdrawal is different, but there are certain common features. Feeling depressed, anxious or irritable is a normal part of withdrawal as are back and leg aches, heightened sensitivity to pain, an increased production of bodily fluids, such as sweat, tears and runny nose. You may also feel your hairs standing on end, suffer from nausea, vomiting, loose or frequent bowel movements, stomach pain, spasms in the digestive system, restlessness, insomnia and fever. Seek medical assistance immediately if your temperature goes above 103 F (40 C), and doesn't come down with treatment, or if you have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, Diabetes, HIV or cystic fibrosis, or if you have a seizure.

Answer 4

Yes actually you can have some very nasty pain and discomfort however the answer is no .

Answer 5

Yes, but only from drugs that directly affect the central nervous system, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

Answer 6

No, you can not die from withdrawal. You can come extremely depressed and extremely sick, but if you can make it through the first few weeks the withdrawal should be gone.

Answer 7

A person is at risk of death during the process of detoxing from ANY illegal drug, especially when detox is NOT done under medical supervision.

Answer 8

Yes, the chronic use of opiate can lead to the withdrawal symptoms which may cause the death of the person.