Heroin is a dangerous drug that comes from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and is highly addictive and comes with an extreme risk of an overdose. If you or someone you love is abusing heroin, you should be familiar with the signs of a heroin overdose. Knowing these signs can help you save the life of a friend or loved one if they experience an overdose.
Recovery Ranch PA welcomes people from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to heroin and want help in stopping the abuse once and for all. Our heroin addiction treatment program is tailored to your symptoms and triggers and will include group and private therapy sessions. We’ll evaluate you to determine if you need inpatient care or an outpatient treatment program and develop an effective program to assist you in your recovery journey.
What is heroin?
Heroin is a dangerous substance that people use for its intense euphoria, relaxation, and a greater sense of well-being. It typically comes in a white or brown powdery form or as a black, tar-like substance known as “black tar heroin.”
What are the side effects of heroin use?
The effects of using heroin include:
- Intense euphoria
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Confusion
- Severe itching
- Nausea and vomiting
The time frame of how long a heroin high can last depends on how you consume it. If you inject it, it can cause an intense rush that lasts up to 20 minutes, followed by two to four hours of drowsiness and sedation. If you smoke or snort heroin, it can take a few minutes for the effects to kick in, but the high can last for up to four hours.
How easy is it to overdose on heroin?
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that overdose deaths in 2023 will total approximately 107,543. This marks a decline compared to 2022 and represents the first decrease in overdose fatalities since 2018.1 Despite the decline, it’s still easy to overdose on a substance like heroin.
How can you avoid a heroin overdose? Never take the drug alone. Have someone with you in case of an overdose. Use small amounts and don’t take any more than you need. Avoid mixing substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, or other opioids, as they can heighten the effects and increase the risk of an overdose.
Always make sure you’ve Naloxone with you if you’re abusing heroin. This drug can counteract the effects of an overdose immediately and allow you to seek help.
What are common heroin withdrawal symptoms?
If you decide to stop and try to quit without support, you’ll almost likely relapse when withdrawals and cravings peak. Heroin withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, muscle and bone pain, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings. A medical detox program can treat these symptoms with medication and allow you to get through heroin withdrawals and focus on healing safely.
Recognizing the signs of a heroin overdose
If you suspect a friend or loved one is abusing heroin, you should be familiar with the signs of heroin overdose. Heroin is highly prone to overdose due to its unpredictable composition. Manufacturers often mix heroin with other substances, including other potent opioids, significantly increasing the risk of accidental overdose.
The signs of a heroin overdose include:
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness: A person will be difficult to wake up, even when shouting or shaking them.
- Slow or zero breathing: Their breathing may be shallow, irregular, or completely stopped.
- A blueish tint to the lips and fingertips: This sign indicates that a person isn’t getting enough oxygen.
- Pinpoint pupils: Another classic sign of a heroin overdose is pinpoint or constricted pupils.
- Limp body: They may be weak and have trouble standing and walking.
- Pale, clammy skin: Their skin may be cold to the touch and look ashen or grayish.
- Gurgling or choking sounds: These indicate that their airway is being blocked and are sometimes known as the “death rattle.”
- Vomiting: This sign of an overdose can occur, and you want to make sure to keep them on their side.
- Slow or no heartbeat: Heroin overdose can cause a weak pulse that can be difficult to detect. If you can’t find a pulse or heartbeat, call 911 immediately.
If you suspect a loved one is overdosing on heroin, call 911. If you have it, inject Naloxone ASAP. This can reverse the effects of an overdose immediately and give you time for emergency responders to arrive.
Start heroin addiction treatment at The Ranch PA today
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center located in Wrightsville that supports those who are struggling with heroin addiction. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs that utilize the top therapeutic methods. Our team will develop a comprehensive program that includes behavioral and holistic therapy and medical support to create a whole-person recovery experience.
Fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and get on the road to recovery.
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