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Recognizing a Heroin Overdose

Man takes a deep breath while sitting in cafe before talking to friend about his heroin overdose

Heroin use has become a public health crisis in many areas of America as the opioid crisis continues to take its toll on communities. Sadly, with the increase in heroin use comes an increase in overdoses due to this powerful opioid. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a heroin overdose and how to respond can help save lives.

NorthStar Clinical Services offers heroin addiction treatment in Charlotte, NC. We help individuals living with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions find a better way forward through compassionate, evidence-based care. Call 888.373.8052 today to start treatment for yourself or a loved one.

Causes of Heroin Overdose

There are several potential causes of heroin overdose, which include:

  • Tolerance – Long-term heroin use can lead to increased tolerance, meaning a person may need larger doses to achieve a euphoric high. As the required dose increases, so does the risk of overdose. If someone relapses after their tolerance has diminished, they are at an increased risk of overdose.
  • Potency – Heroin potency can vary significantly from batch to batch, often due to differences in manufacturing or cutting agents. A person may unknowingly ingest a more potent dose than intended, which can lead to an overdose.
  • Mixing substances – Combining heroin with other substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids, can significantly increase the risk of overdose. These substances can work in tandem to amplify the overall depressant effects on the central nervous system.

Illicit fentanyl is now a leading cause of heroin overdose. The drug—up to 50 times more potent than heroin—is often cut into heroin to make it stronger and more addictive. Even individuals with a high tolerance for opioids can overdose due to fentanyl’s potency.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Overdose

Recognizing the signs of a heroin overdose is crucial to responding quickly and potentially saving someone’s life. Common symptoms of a heroin overdose include:

  • Pinpoint pupils – One of the most easily identifiable signs of a heroin overdose is tiny, constricted pupils, also known as “pinpoint pupils.”
  • Respiratory depression – Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing is a vital sign of a heroin overdose. In severe cases, a person may stop breathing altogether.
  • Bluish lips and nails – As the body struggles to obtain oxygen, lips and nails may turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Drowsiness or unconsciousness – Individuals who have overdosed on heroin may be unresponsive, difficult to wake, or may remain unconscious despite efforts to revive them.
  • Weak or nonexistent pulse – A person experiencing a heroin overdose may have a weak or unnoticeable pulse.
  • Disorientation and confusion – Overdosing on heroin can cause mental confusion and a lack of coordination.
  • Vomiting – Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting during a heroin overdose. In most cases, an individual overdosing should be laid on their side to prevent them from choking on their vomit.
  • Muscle spasms – Muscle spasms or tremors can sometimes occur due to a heroin overdose.

If you suspect someone is experiencing a heroin overdose, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately and follow their instructions to help the person while waiting for professional medical assistance. Since heroin is an opioid, Narcan (naloxone) can reverse the effects of overdose. Even if you administer Narcan, still call emergency services as additional doses or other life-saving interventions may be needed.

Call NorthStar Clinical Services for Treatment Options

Recovery from heroin addiction is possible. At our North Carolina treatment center, we help clients through our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP). Our staff of addiction treatment professionals guide clients through the early stages of recovery, giving them the tools needed to make lasting change.

Contact NorthStar online or call 888.373.8052 now to get started.