An overdose of heroin can be life-threatening and occurs when someone takes too much of the drug. This overwhelms the body and can lead to organ failure, which can be fatal.
Understanding what an overdose feels like can highlight the urgency of seeking help. Failing to recognize the signs of a heroin overdose has sadly led to many preventable deaths in the United States. Continue reading to identify the symptoms of a heroin overdose that can potentially save the life of someone you know or even a stranger.
Key Takeaways
Heroin overdose has severe effects on the mind and body. Here’s what you need to know:
- Misuse of heroin leads to overdose, which causes symptoms such as severe respiratory depression and unresponsiveness that require medical attention.
- Survivors of a heroin overdose often face severe mental health challenges, including anxiety and trauma.
- In case of an overdose, it is best to call emergency services and administer naloxone until help arrives to reverse the opioid effects and prevent fatal outcomes.
The Haven Detox-Little Rock offers assistance in beating addiction. Call us at (501) 271-3342 to learn how we can help you.
Heroin Impact On Brain And Body
Heroin addiction has a powerful effect on the brain and body. This type of opioid addiction can have severe health risks. It impacts body function rapidly when taken via intravenous injection. It directly delivers the drug to the brain, producing the ‘rush’ associated with an intense high. Heroin influences brain function and impacts vital organs like the liver when it enters the bloodstream. It depresses heart rate and breathing, which can lead to loss of consciousness.
Long-term use of heroin builds physical dependency, so your body becomes dependent on this illicit drug to function. One of the most deadly aspects of heroin use is the prevalent habit of combining it with other narcotics, such as illegal fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
This opioid combination dramatically raises the danger of a drug overdose, which can often result in death if not treated promptly. Your brain becomes hardwired to crave these drugs, which may lead to relapse when someone tries to quit its use. If you suddenly stop using, withdrawal symptoms kick in, which are agonizingly uncomfortable.
Symptoms Experienced During A Heroin Overdose
An overdose of heroin is life-threatening and can present a variety of severe physical and psychological symptoms. The ability to notice these sensations is one of the primary keys to timely seeking help for heroin addiction. Calling emergency services makes a difference between life and death in cases of overdose.
Physical Signs
The human body undergoes drastic physical changes during a heroin overdose. Significant symptoms during an overdose are:
- Severe Respiratory Depression: Breathing becomes shallow or may stop altogether.
- Weak Pulse: A noticeably slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Cold And Clammy Skin: The skin may become pale or bluish, particularly around the mouth.
- Unresponsive: The person may not respond to stimuli or wake up.
- Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area, potentially leading to a heart attack.
- Cardiac Arrest: The heart may stop beating, leading to a need for immediate resuscitation.
These physical signs are critical to identify, as they can lead to permanent brain damage or overdose deaths if not treated swiftly.
Mental And Emotional Effects
The mental and emotional impact of a heroin overdose can be profound and distressing. The main effect is on the opioid receptors in the brain and impacts neural pathways, leading to:
- Confusion: Extreme disorientation or inability to think clearly.
- Euphoria to Lifeless State: Rapid shifts from a euphoric high to an unconscious state.
- Severe Anxiety: Intense feelings of fear or panic.
- Delirium: Uncontrolled, erratic behavior or speech.
- Hallucinations: Distorted perceptions or seeing things that aren’t there.
- Severe Pain: Acute discomfort, especially as the body struggles to regain normal functions.
Heroin overdose also weakens the immune system, requiring proper and effective treatment options to overcome substance use disorder.
Responding To A Heroin Overdose
Responding quickly to a heroin overdose can save a person’s life. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, immediate action is vital. The first step is to call emergency help, as rapid medical attention is essential.
Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, can be a lifesaver. This medication is available at a pharmacy in different forms, including a nasal spray and intravenous administration. Naloxone works by rapidly counteracting the effects of heroin and other opioids. You can administer naloxone by spraying it into the person’s mouth. Medical professionals use an injection to improve a patient’s vital signs.
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, such as slow breathing or unresponsiveness, is the most crucial step in providing first aid. If the person is unconscious, ensure their airway is clear and keep them in a recovery position.
While waiting for professional help, police officers and first responders can provide critical assistance. They are trained to handle overdose situations and will continue to provide care and support. Remember, understanding and responding to the effects of heroin and the combination of opioids can prevent overdose deaths and ensure timely intervention.
The Aftermath Of An Overdose
Experiencing a heroin overdose can have severe and lasting consequences. Understanding the aftermath is crucial for recognizing the gravity of opioid addiction and its effects.
Risk Of Coma And Brain Damage
Heroin overdose symptoms often lead to a significant risk of coma and permanent brain damage due to fluctuations in respiratory functions. Large amounts of heroin can overwhelm the brain, causing severe respiratory depression and depriving the brain of oxygen.
That can result in a coma, which might lead to long-term neurological issues. Brain damage is a common outcome for those who survive. Extreme neural damage in the nervous system is a leading cause of accidental death among people with opioid use disorder.
Emotional And Psychological Impact
The emotional and psychological impact of this illicit drug is profound. Survivors may face a hard time coping with the trauma and long-term effects of their opioid addiction.
The experience can lead to mental health disorders such as severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The emotional scars from such an event can be long-lasting, emphasizing the need for psychological support and therapy to address these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the initial symptoms of a heroin overdose?
The initial symptoms of a heroin overdose can appear within a few seconds after using a large amount of the drug. Early signs include severe drowsiness, slow or irregular breathing, and blue or pale skin. In the case of heroin, the risk of an overdose increases with higher amounts of the drug or when mixed with other substances.
Prompt recognition of these symptoms is crucial. The FDA-approved drug naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects until professional medical treatment is available.
Can a heroin overdose cause long-term damage?
Heroin overdose can cause long-term damage. The effects of using too much heroin can lead to severe complications, such as brain damage and impaired cognitive functions. High doses can cause fluctuations in blood pressure and disrupt vital bodily functions, making it a serious medical emergency.
Long-term physical dependence may develop, complicating recovery. Additionally, combining heroin with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk factor for overdose. Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and seeking immediate medical care is important.
What should you do if you suspect someone is experiencing a heroin overdose?
If you think someone is showing signs of an overdose, act fast. Look for signs like slow breathing, unconsciousness, or bluish skin. Call for emergency medical assistance right away. If you have naloxone, use it as directed while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.
Ensure the person’s airway is open and gently roll them onto their side. Avoid using illicit opioids or mixing drugs, as this can worsen the situation. Quick action can help reduce the severe effects of opioids and improve the chances of recovery.
Begin Your Recovery Journey At The Haven Detox-Little Rock
Overdosing on opioids can lead to organ failure and impact your everyday lifestyle. Get personalized treatment for heroin addiction at The Haven Detox-Little Rock.
We provide medical detox to help safely eliminate harmful toxins from the body and ease withdrawal. Our residential rehab program offers a structured environment to help manage withdrawal symptoms with therapy programs and medication-assisted treatment. The program aims to provide in-depth recovery, addressing physical and emotional needs.
In addition, our IV therapy replenishes essential nutrients and ensures proper hydration during your treatment. Take control of your future by contacting us today at (501) 271-3342 to learn how we can assist you on your path to wellness.
