If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin or opioid dependency, it’s important to know the signs of overdose so that you can potentially save your own life or the life of a family member or friend. Heroin overdose symptoms and effects can vary depending on the severity as well as other circumstances; that’s why getting yourself or your loved one into a heroin detox program as soon as possible following an overdose is so crucial.
Heroin overdose is a leading cause of death in America today. Due to the rapid increase of opioid use, the rate of deaths due to drug overdose has increased exponentially. Opioid medications have become easier to obtain over the years, and many patients who no longer need their medications turn to heroin to achieve similar effects.
Liberty Bay Recovery provides clients with a motivating, supportive community to help begin the recovery journey. If you or a loved one needs help for heroin overdose symptoms, learn more by calling one of our addiction specialists at (855) 607-8758.
What Are the Common Heroin Overdose Symptoms?
If you know someone who has struggled with heroin or opioid addiction or have experienced it yourself, you likely have an idea of what the typical signs of an overdose might look like. Most overdoses are nonfatal, which means that a full or at least partial recovery is almost always possible. However, fatal overdoses can also occur among opioid and heroin users, especially with a long history of addiction.
Though there are many distinctive symptoms to look out for to catch a heroin overdose early, one of the first things to check is the breathing status of the person who may be overdosing. If breathing has significantly reduced or stopped, an overdose is likely occurring. Aside from a clear lack of breathing, some of the early symptoms of affected breathing due to a heroin overdose include:
- Pale and cold skin
- Blue tinted fingertips or lips
- Shallow breathing or gasping for breath
Though the breathing patterns of the victim can be very telling in identifying an overdose, there are a few other specific symptoms to look out for that also point to an overdose. Some of these include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Seizure
- Inability to remain awake
- Weakened pulse or lowered blood pressure
- Strange behavior or disorientation
It’s extremely important to note heroin overdose symptoms or any similar symptoms, as it could mean the difference between a fatal and nonfatal overdose. Generally, the effects of a heroin or opioid overdose will begin to show themselves as soon as 10 minutes after the victim has received the dose.
Options for Heroin Addiction Treatment
If you think that you or someone you love may be experiencing an overdose, the first step to take is to call an ambulance and get help for the victim right away. Emergency care providers will administer life-saving tactics such as naloxone, IV fluids, or induced vomiting and then determine what extent of treatment is necessary moving forward. Plus, most states offer protection under the law to those that seek emergency medical help no matter the legality of the substance.
Once the emergency has passed and the victim’s state has been determined as stable, you may want to consider heroin addiction treatment for yourself or your loved one. In many cases, completely dedicating your attention to recovering from addiction is the best way to ensure success and prevent relapse. Consider the following programs:
Residential Detox Treatment at Liberty Bay Recovery Center
You don’t have to face your heroin addiction alone. At Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine, you’ll have full access to various residential, partial hospitalization program, and outpatient programs to fit your exact needs. Learn more about heroin addiction treatment by calling (855) 607-8758 to speak to a Liberty Bay Recovery specialist or contact us using the online form.
