Can a Person Overdose on Heroin?
Yes, a person can overdose on heroin. A heroin overdose occurs when a person uses enough of the drug to produce a life-threatening reaction or death. When people overdose on heroin, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called Hypoxia. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term mental effects and effects on the nervous system, including coma and permanent brain damage.
Know the Signs of Heroin Overdose:
- Unresponsive (can’t wake)
- Slow, erratic (irregular) breathing, or no breathing at all
- Slow, erratic pulse, or no pulse
- Vomiting Loss of consciousness (passing out)
- Constricted (small) pupils
Know Naloxone and the Law
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Since heroin is classified as an opioid, naloxone should be given to any person who shows sign of a heroin overdose or when an overdose is suspected. If you or a loved one is at risk for heroin overdose, it is important to have naloxone on hand.1
Know Michigan’s Good Samaritan Law
During an overdose, a quick response can save a life. However, people illegally using drugs sometimes do not seek medical attention during an overdose for fear of alerting police of their illegal drug use. In order to prioritize saving lives, Michigan passed a Good Samaritan law in 2016. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances. This law makes saving lives the priority during a drug overdose, not criminal prosecutions of illegal drug users.2
Know Heroin Use Can Lead to Addiction
Heroin is highly addictive. People who regularly use heroin often develop a tolerance, which means that they need higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects. Those who are addicted to heroin and stop using the drug abruptly may have severe withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms, which can begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken, include:
- restlessness
- severe muscle and bone pain
- sleep problems
- diarrhea and vomiting
- cold flashes with goose bumps
- uncontrollable leg movements
- severe heroin cravings
Know That Support is Available
Remember that addiction is a disease and those suffering should be treated with care and compassion as with any other disease. It is a chronic brain disease that can be managed with medical treatment. Talk to your doctor and considering finding a support group to come together with others facing addiction and the road to recovery. It may be helpful to learn from the experience of others and receive emotional and social support. Visit www.michigan-na.org/flint-area/meetings/ to find a support group today!
