Unhygienic needles can cause abscesses at injection sites, and poor injection technique and the presence of adulterants can lead to blockage and ultimate collapse of veins and scar tissue at injection sites. The addict's lifestyle and poor state of health will generally reduce the ability of the immune system to ward off infections. Another danger arises when heroin is mixed with other drugs. Many addicts are often heavy drinkers and the combination of alcohol and heroin is a factor often overlooked in reported heroin overdose cases since alcohol can enhance the respiratory depression and hypotensive effects of heroin. Withdrawal and treatment Not all drug addicts will require treatment and many people are best described as 'recreational' users who can give up at any time.
Some people are prepared to forego treatment and 'sweat' it out through the infamous 'cold turkey'.
The treatment of heroin addiction normally involves the use of the opioid substitute, methadone, combined with drug counselling and support. Developed in the 1940s, methadone is sometimes perceived as being more addictive than heroin. The long half-life of the drug helps to control withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for heroin and this has become one of the primary aims of such therapy. From a treatment perspective, methadone would seem to be an ideal drug. It is long-acting, attains smoother serum levels and controls withdrawal symptoms.