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What symptoms can occur during withdrawal from morphine or heroin?

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drug use The use of psychoactive drugs, such as pain medications or illegal substances, often results in emotional, physical, and social harm.

When an individual is physically dependent on morphine or heroin and abruptly stops using the drug, they experience a set of reactions known as the withdrawal or abstinence syndrome. These symptoms typically begin within a few hours of the last dose and reach their peak intensity within one to two days.1

Initial symptoms often include:
* Yawning, tearing, and a running nose1
* Perspiration1
* Restless, fitful sleep1

As the syndrome progresses, individuals may experience:
* Gooseflesh, hot and cold flashes, and severe leg pains1
* Generalized body aches and constant movement1
* Severe insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea12
* Anxiety and restlessness2
* Fever, mild high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and dehydration1

These symptoms generally continue through the third day and then decline over the following week. Because these symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, individuals may feel compelled to use the substance again to relieve the discomfort. It is important to recognize that addiction is a serious health condition, and seeking professional medical support is the ethical and safest path toward recovery.12