If a dependent user reduces or stops use of the drug abruptly, they may experience severe symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms, which can begin as early as a few hours after the last drug administration, include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), kicking movements (“kicking the habit”), and other symptoms. Users also experience severe craving for the drug during withdrawal, precipitating continued abuse and/or relapse. A single gram of meth, a “teener” costs about $80 and can supply 10 – 15 doses which can be smoked, snorted, injected, dissolved or swallowed. A single gram of Heroin can range from $120 - $500. From 1997 to 2000 cocaine was the most common drug reported in emergency room episodes. Nearly 15% of all drug related emergency room visits come as a result of heroin use. |
