The opioid epidemic remains a concern in Texas, with many people becoming dependent on their opioid medications and turning to heroin when they can no longer access their prescriptions. Unfortunately, heroin is a potent illicit opioid that can rapidly lead to addiction and overdose. Protect those you love by learning more about the dangers of heroin abuse and how to spot a heroin overdose. Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical to saving someone’s life.
In addition to understanding how to respond to a heroin overdose, it’s also beneficial to talk to your loved one about getting help for addiction. If someone in your life needs the support of heroin rehab in Texas, contact Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 for more information about our treatment options.
What to Know About the Dangers of Heroin Abuse
Drug abuse occurs when people use prescription or illicit drugs in a way other than their intended or prescribed purpose. Using heroin, an illegal drug, is classified as heroin abuse. While you likely already realize that, you may not understand all the risks associated with using heroin, such as the following.
Health Complications
Heroin is an opioid, meaning it has a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). It slows down the body’s functions, including breathing and heart rate, leading to respiratory issues and heart conditions.
Infections
People can snort, smoke, or inject heroin. When delivered via injection, a person is at risk of infections and related complications like HIV, hepatitis, abscesses, and endocarditis.
Overdose
As an illicit drug, heroin is unregulated, so a person accessing it won’t always know what they’re getting or how strong it is. Heroin is often cut with other more powerful drugs, particularly fentanyl, drastically increasing the chances of an overdose.
Recognizing a Heroin Overdose
Recognizing the signs of a heroin overdose is crucial, as acting quickly can save the life of someone you love. Some common signs of a heroin overdose include:
- Constricted or pinpoint pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish tint to lips and fingernails
- Gurgling sounds coming from the mouth
- Limpness
- Unusually slow heart rate
If you notice the above signs of overdose in another person, it’s essential to act fast. A heroin overdose can be deadly, but with prompt medical attention, your loved one can have a second chance at life.
What to Do in Heroin Overdose Situations
If you suspect a person is overdosing on heroin, the most important thing you can do is to get help immediately. Contact 911 right away and:
- Provide the emergency dispatcher with critical information, like the person’s location and symptoms.
- Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. Try to keep them awake and alert if you can.
- The dispatcher may ask you to stay on the line and provide them with additional information until the emergency responders locate you. In some cases, they may guide you through rescue breathing.
- Administer naloxone (Narcan) if you have access. This is a lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The emergency dispatcher can also advise you on how to administer it properly.
Witnessing a heroin overdose can be understandably scary, but try your best to remain calm and follow the steps to help the person in need. If you’re aware that someone in your life uses heroin, prepare yourself for the possibility of an overdose by talking to your doctor about a naloxone prescription or asking your loved one to keep the drug on hand.
Enroll in Heroin Rehab at Promises Brazos Valley Today
A heroin overdose is severe and potentially life-threatening. Help prevent an overdose by talking to people struggling with heroin abuse about enrolling in heroin rehab. Brazos Valley offers residential and outpatient treatment options so we can be sure to accommodate your loved one’s recovery needs. Call at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form to get the process started today.