Abscesses, cellulitis, liver damage, tetanus, brain damage can also result. Perhaps half of all opiate-dependent women have complications during pregnancy and birth, such as miscarriage, breech delivery, Cesarean section, anemia, cardiac disease, diabetes, pneumonia, hepatitis and premature birth. Opiate withdrawal can cause still-birth. Newborn infants may suffer signs of withdrawal because of their mother's habit. Tolerance and Dependence Tolerance develops fairly rapidly, making higher doses necessary to maintain intensity of effects.
Most narcotics are highly addictive, and regular use results in severe physical dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms include severe anxiety, insomnia, profuse sweating, muscle spasms, chills, shivering, tremors, and can occur four to five hours after last dose. The acute symptoms reach peak intensity after about 36 to 72 hours and are usually over within 7 to 10 days. It may be 6 months or longer before total recovery from withdrawal occurs. Users may respond to pain of withdrawal by taking another dose, without realizing they have become addicted. Legal Status In Canada, heroin and other narcotic analgesics are governed by the Narcotic Control Act.