Opiate withdrawal refers to the wide range of symptoms that
occur after stopping or dramatically reducing opiate drugs after
heavy and prolonged use (several weeks or more). Opiate drugs
include heroin, morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid,
methadone, and others. Withdrawal from opioids; Dopesickness
About 9% of the population is believed to misuse opiates over
the course of their lifetime, including illegal drugs like
heroin and prescription pain medications such as Oxycontin.
These drugs can cause physical dependence. This means that a
person relies on the drug to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.
Over time, greater amounts of the drug become necessary to
produce the same effect. The time it takes to become physically
dependent varies with each individual. When the person stops
taking the drugs, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal
symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur whenever any
chronic use is discontinued or reduced. Some people even
withdraw from opiates after being given such dr