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.
At Promises Dallas-Fort Worth in Lewisville, Texas, adults struggling with heroin addiction can get evidence-based care in one place, including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and virtual intensive outpatient care. Call (469) 546-9303 to talk with our admissions team about options 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.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction at Promises Dallas-Fort Worth
Promises Dallas-Fort Worth provides medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and virtual intensive outpatient care for adults at our Joint Commission-accredited center in Lewisville, Texas. Learn more about our heroin addiction treatment, or let our admissions team verify your insurance before you commit. Call (469) 546-9303 or contact us online to get started.