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Heroin Overdose: Symptoms, Signs, and Prevention

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 9 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 9 minutes

Learn how to spot, respond to, and prevent heroin overdose and immediate treatment steps for an effective recovery.

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The National Center for Health Statistics reports that drug overdose deaths in the United States rose by 28.5%. Opioids were involved in 7 out of every 10 cases.

Heroin forms part of a collection of drugs known as opioids manufactured from the opium poppy. The number of deaths from heroin overdoses keeps rising each year. This leaves many people wondering why and how heroin users end up in this situation. It becomes harder when you can’t admit that you or your loved one has a heroin problem until it’s too late.

This article discusses what happens when you overdose on heroin and the risks of using the drug. Let’s dig in.

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How Heroin Alters Brain Chemistry & Function

Understanding Heroin

Like other drugs made from the opium poppy, heroin is addictive. It also affects the brain’s chemicals and changes how they work over time. Over time, the cumulative effects of heroin place a user at a high risk of overdose.

Taking heroin releases an effect that slows down chemical processes within the body and brain. The drug has a chemical structure that fits well with the brain’s system. It creates psychoactive effects and changes the brain’s chemical processes. Over time, the altered chemical balance of the brain brings about psychological and physical problems.

Heroin is a stronger opiate, so it works faster than other opiate drugs. It changes the chemical system in your brain quickly. From every dose of heroin, your brain cells secrete large amounts of neurotransmitter chemicals. These neurotransmitter chemicals cause structural damage to cells, developing conditions for a heroin overdose episode.

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Recognizing & Responding to Heroin Overdose Symptoms

Signs of a Heroin Overdose

When you ingest too much heroin, you might encounter a heroin overdose. The main sign of a heroin overdose is slow or stopped breathing. Heroin chemicals slow down normal breathing, especially in large amounts. You might have depressed breathing when you:

  • Gasp for air.

  • Have shallow breaths.

  • Notice ashen skin.

  • Develop a blue tint on the fingertips or lips.

The other symptoms of a heroin overdose may include:

  • Pinpoint pupils.

  • Discolored tongue.

  • Weak pulse.

  • Low blood pressure.

  • Disorientation, a changed mental state, or delirium.

  • Constipation.

  • Spasms or seizures.

  • Nausea or vomiting.

  • Coma.

  • Extreme drowsiness/ you are unable to stay awake.

A heroin overdose can be very dangerous. It is important to get medical help right away if you see these symptoms. The symptoms of a heroin overdose may start about 10 minutes after the user consumes the dose.

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Rolling Hills Recovery Center works with a variety of healthcare providers.

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Understanding the Dangers

Heroin Overdose Risk Factors

To start, overdosing on heroin can happen for many reasons. These reasons can work together or alone. One reason is not paying attention to how much heroin you use, like injecting unknown amounts.

Another risk factor stemming from heroin overdose is polysubstance use. Heroin is a depressant for the nervous system. When taken with other drugs like benzodiazepines, alcohol, or barbiturates, it can be very dangerous. This combination raises the risk of coma, respiratory failure, and death.

Secondly, using heroin with stimulants like cocaine causes a body response that partly opposes heroin’s effects. For instance, taking cocaine and heroin creates counteracting products between the brain and the body. These effects make it hard for the user to notice an overdose. This happens because cocaine is a stimulant and heroin is a depressant.

This combination is commonly known as a “speedball” and poses hazardous risks to the user. This is because the user is more affected by both drugs. They are less aware of heroin’s strong effects. This puts them at a high risk of a heroin overdose.

Thirdly, people who relapse from heroin are more prone to a heroin overdose. People who have used heroin before have built up a tolerance to the drug. This means they need larger amounts to feel the same effects.

When these individuals stop using heroin for a while, their tolerance levels drop. This puts them at a higher risk of overdose if they relapse.

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mmediate Actions to Take During a Heroin Overdose

In Case of an Overdose, do the Following

A Heroin overdose is fatal when you fail to address it immediately. You should be prepared to deal with an overdose episode should a loved one or close relative abuse heroin. Taking the right steps can greatly improve a person’s chances of survival and keep the victim safe.

Firstly, call 911 in response to a heroin overdose and provide the victims:

  • Estimated amount of heroin ingested.

  • Estimated time of ingestion.

  • Respiratory status (e.g., “Victim is not breathing”).

  • Address.

Many people fear reporting a heroin overdose because the drug is illegal. However, most state laws protect you from arrest if you seek emergency help. So, do not hesitate to get help for a loved one.

Secondly, pay close attention to the victim and possibly call for an intervention:

  • Check the victim’s breathing. If they are not breathing, give rescue breaths. Make sure you know how to do this. Do the same when you hear the “death rattle.” Medical professionals call this a distinct, labored sound from a person’s throat.
  • Administer naloxone; naloxone is an antagonist to opioids and reverses the effects of opioids in the body. However, you must have the naloxone on hand and know how to administer it.
  •  

Please continue providing supportive breathing when the victim shows severe labored breathing or cannot breathe on their own. When the victim begins to live independently, please monitor them until help arrives.

It is crucial to get emergency help quickly because naloxone usually works for 30 to 90 minutes. Get help even if the person wakes up or feels better. Overdose symptoms can come back when naloxone wears off.

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Safeguarding Against the Dangers of Heroin Overdose

Prevention of Overdose

There are several ways to prevent a heroin overdose for those using heroin as well as their close loved ones, including:

  • Avoid combining heroin and other drugs like stimulants.

  • Seek heroin treatment before an overdose occurs.

  • Keep naloxone (nasal spray) at hand when your loved one is using heroin. Naloxone can help reverse an opioid overdose.

The first step in heroin treatment is to join a detox center. These centers often work closely with other treatment facilities. This teamwork gives patients the best chance to recover. These centers may be outpatient, residential, and inpatient treatment centers.

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The Bottom Line

Recovery from Heroin One Step at a Time

Therapy can be complex, and overcoming heroin addiction can be extremely challenging. However, your primary objective is to lead a life free from drugs. There will be moments when you feel like surrendering and giving up on yourself.

During these crucial periods, keep your family and close friends nearby. They can provide the support you require. You don’t have to face the treatment process alone.

The most encouraging aspect is that you don’t have to make the larger strides all at once. Take smaller steps and focus on self-improvement as you navigate your recovery journey. Also, don’t forget to find joy in your progress as you move forward.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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