Hellstrom, whose organization raises awareness about the risks of drugs and drug addiction, also warns that with heroin, there is no such thing as casual use. This is because heroin is incredibly addictive, and going cold turkey can be lethal. Compared to other drugs, heroin is extremely addictive. Many users claim to have been addicted after their first time, and Hellstrom confirms that this is indeed possible, adding that this exact quality is why he counsels people never to try it, as you may be one of those unlucky first-time addicts. Heroin withdrawal causes cravings, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with gooses bumps and other symptoms, which peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last use of the drug and can last for up to a week.
Sudden withdrawal can be fatal.
Overdoses can be lethal, primarily because of the depression of breathing but also because it can cause the rapid and sudden flooding of the lungs with fluid. It can cause also you to vomit while unconscious, which can lead to suffocation. Heroin use during pregnancy can put the fetus and mother at increased risk of complications and death. In addition, infants born to addicted mothers are themselves addicted to the drug and can have severe withdrawal symptoms if not properly treated. In doing so, it breaks the cycle of dependence on the illegal drug.