Heroin Overdose: What Should You Do?

Heroin addiction remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in the United States. With that, heroin overdose is also a pressing concern. The crisis has become a national emergency, with thousands of people dying from a heroin overdose every year, but what leads to these overdoses? What pertinent information can help people prevent or reduce overdoses? If a heroin overdose occurs, what should people do? Understanding these questions may help people understand why prevention, intervention, and treatment are vital. 

Treatment for heroin addiction at West Coast Recovery Centers in San Diego, California, offers people a comprehensive and individualized approach to addiction treatment. We provide clients with a safe, supportive environment where they can focus on recovery from addiction and regaining control of their lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, consider working with West Coast Recovery today. 

The Dangers of Heroin Use and Dependency

Before diving into the risk of overdose, we should revisit what exactly heroin is. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that heroin is an opioid made from morphine, which is a naturally occurring opioid drug derived from the opium poppy plant. Heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Use minimizes pain sensations, reduces tension and anxiety, and helps people feel relaxed. 

Effects of Heroin

Some of the short-term effects of heroin experienced by many include:  

• Dry mouth 
• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Cloudy thinking 

Of course, chronic and long-term heroin use can lead to significant damage to the mind and body, causing some of the following effects: 

• Heart damage 
• Malnutrition due to loss of appetite 
• Reduced brain function and memory loss 
• Weakened muscle function and possible paralysis 
• Liver and kidney diseases 

If untreated, heroin use can lead to the development of severe physical and mental health conditions. Of course, as mentioned, it can also lead to overdose. 

What Leads to a Heroin Overdose?

When heroin enters the brain, it binds to opioid receptors. These receptors are responsible for regulating pain and emotions. The intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation that accompany the high make it highly desirable and addictive. However, with chronic and excessive use, overdose becomes a more significant body. Because heroin slows – and can potentially stop – the respiratory system, individuals who overdose are at severe risk of being unable to breathe. The lack of oxygen can cause damage to vital organs, like the heart and brain, and can be fatal if not treated in time. 

Factors that contribute to heroin overdose include: 

• Tolerance: Over time and with repeated use, the brain and body adapt to the presence of heroin requiring more frequent, higher doses to achieve the same effects. However, if a person stops and resumes heroin use, they may take a dose that is too large for the body to handle. 
• Health conditions: Preexisting health issues can put someone at an increased risk for overdose. That may include individuals with a respiratory condition, heart condition, or other health concerns. 
• Using multiple substances: It is not uncommon for individuals to use heroin with alcohol or other drugs. Doing so increases harm to the body, which can make an overdose much more likely to occur. 

Another significant factor that increases the risk of a heroin overdose is when the heroin is cut with other substances, commonly fentanyl. Individuals unaware of the presence of fentanyl take what they consider to be a typical dose of heroin for themselves. Since even a small dose of fentanyl can be deadly, this quickly leads to overdose.  

What Can Be Done to Prevent Heroin Overdose?

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to eradicate the risks of heroin overdose. However, there are measures we can take to reduce the risk, including: 

• Spreading awareness of the risk of fentanyl commonly mixed into heroin
• Increasing access to harm reduction programs when possible 
• Discouraging people from mixing heroin with other substances 
• Expanding people's access to Naloxone, also known as Narcan 
• Providing overdose training and education within communities 
• Increasing access to addiction treatment programs 

What to Do if a Heroin Overdose Occurs

So, what should be done in the face of a heroin addiction? Well, overdose can occur quickly and requires immediate action. With that, the first step is recognizing the signs of a heroin overdose, which may include: 

• Pinpoint pupils 
• Slow and/or shallow breathing 
• Unresponsiveness
• Snoring or gurgling sounds 
• Bluish lips and/or fingernails 

If you do recognize the signs of a heroin overdose, you can take the following steps: 

• Call 911 immediately 
• Administer Naloxone if you have it on hand 
• Perform CPR if the individual is not breathing 
• Stay with the person and monitor them closely 
• Keep them awake and breathing and place them in the recovery position – on their side with their head tilted back to keep their airway open 

Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction at West Coast Recovery Centers

Recovery from a heroin addiction is possible and is an important step when avoiding overdose. However, the first step starts with you. Call or visit our website to seek heroin addiction treatment today. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, we want you to know that treatment is available, but it starts by recognizing the problem and asking for help. If untreated, individuals using heroin are at an increased risk of developing several health complications, including mental and physical conditions and experiencing a heroin overdose. Unfortunately, overdose can cause a whole other set of health complications, and can even lead to death. Our individualized, evidence-based, and holistic approach to treatment can help guide you toward long-term, sustainable recovery. Take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life by visiting our website or calling us West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.