Addiction to opiates such as heroin causes many dangerous physical and psychological effects. Because opiates are extremely addictive, withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops or decreases their use. Although these symptoms cause discomfort, the benefits to a person who stops using opiates greatly outweigh an addiction to the drugs. These benefits include improved health and greater enjoyment of everyday activities. Withdrawal can be dangerous depending upon the amount of the drug the person used.
Many ofthese babies die.
In 1992, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services reported 49,899 emergency room episodes related to heroin, morphine, and codeine. In 1992, there were 3,762 reported deaths due to heroin, morphine, and codeine. The most common drugs mixed with heroin, morphine, and codeine are alcohol and cocaine.