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Know the signs of a heroin overdose and call 911 in an emergency.
Heroin overdose manifests in a number of different and very severe symptoms, many of which are hard to distinguish from signs that an individual is "high."
Key signs of heroin overdose include:
Research into the epidemiology of fatal and non-fatal heroin overdoses demonstrates that the majority of overdose deaths occur among individuals:
In the US, non-fatal and fatal overdose rates are most acute among Non-Hispanic White men and women in the Midwest aged between 18-44. Males overdose at higher rates than females.
Approximately 17% of fatal heroin overdoses are new users.
Approximately 17% of fatal heroin overdoses are new users. As mentioned above, other signs that someone is experiencing a heroin overdose include a history of drug abuse or co-morbid mental health issues.
Not surprisingly, on of the strongest indicators is a previous history of heroin overdoses.
Sadly, heroin overdoses often occur when tolerance is significantly reduced, such as after a prolonged period of abstinence.
According to recent British Medical Journal, the risk of death from overdose increases 7 times in the first 14 days of completing residential heroin addiction treatment or release from prison.
Individuals who snort, smoke or inject the amount of heroin to which they are accustomed after a period of abstinence are at high risk of overdosing.
Heroin overdose is not something that is always identifiable without medical intervention.
The "death rattle" is often mistaken for snoring and overlooked as a sign of a heroin overdose.
For example, the characteristic "death rattle" is often mistaken for snoring and overlooked. Heroin overdose rarely causes death immediately so the opportunity for fast responders to prevent death exists.
Treatment of any type of drug overdose should not be handled without trained medical assistance. In the case of heroin overdose, call 911 or the National Poison Control Center (855-681-1324) and/or go to a hospital immediately.
While waiting for trained medical treatment, the following emergency procedures can be put into effect, if available:
Heroin overdose is preventable. The best way to avoid a heroin overdose is to abstain from injecting or snorting heroin in the first instance.
In lieu of abstinence, research findings suggest that a combination of the following may prevent both non-fatal and fatal heroin overdoses:
The combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatments is a more effective strategy for heroin overdose treatment.National Institute on Drug Abuse
Medication-assisted heroin addiction treatment is effective and provides critical recovery support for heroin overdose survivors.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) however, the integrated combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatments is a more effective strategy for most people.
To counteract the short and long-term neurological damage that can be caused by heroin addiction and overdose (including permanent brain damage), the use of buprenorphine and/or methadone can help to transition from an acute post-overdose stage to nascent recovery.
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Heroin addiction is a chronic brain disease that demands long-term treatment.
While there are numerous approaches to aiding dependent heroin users, typical steps include initial detoxification followed by participation in long-term treatment, including:
Other methods that have been shown to improve compliance with treatment plans and abstinence from heroin use include:
Heroin overdose is almost always accidental and due to a chronic substance use, mental health, or pain disorder (or a combination of all three) that needs long-term treatment.
The emotional consequences for overdose survivors can be overwhelming.
Along with the painful physical withdrawal process, anger, guilt, abashment, shame and despair are often characteristic of overdose survivors.
Building a network with others in recovery from heroin addiction is critical, as are recovery support from family and friends if available.
Valuable recovery tools can be also be found through such community-based organizations as:
