When breathing is severely depressed, the person may die. Overdose deaths are not uncommon when a potent batch of heroin becomes available. Long-term effects include severe constipation, decreased sexual drive, menstrual irregularities, and moodiness. These effects disappear after the user stops taking the drug. Chronic users may also develop serious lung problems.
Dependence develops with chronic use.
A person is psychologically dependent when they crave the drug and feel a compulsive need to continue taking it. With physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur if use is stopped abruptly. They peak between 36 and 72 hours and are usually over within seven to 10 days. However, the person may not completely recover for six months or longer. Although serious, narcotic withdrawal in adults is not life-threatening, as withdrawal from alcohol or barbiturates often is.