An overdose refers to taking a high dosage of a substance that causes harm to the body. People who use drugs such as heroin may get addicted to and tolerant of the drug. Thus, they may use a higher amount of the drug than their body can handle. Continued drug use may lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. However, early identification of heroin overdose symptoms can prevent further harm, and help a drug user recover from addiction at CMAR. If you’re battling an addiction to heroin, contact our addiction treatment center today at 833.448.0127.
Heroin Overdose Symptoms
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs. It is manufactured from the opium poppy plant. Since drug users purchase heroin illegally, they may lack information on the strength of the substance. Also, some sellers mix this substance with other dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. This increases the potency of the drug and the potential side effects.
A drug user may show various heroin overdose symptoms depending on the aspects of their usage. For instance, the purity of the drug and the amount taken determine the symptoms one shows. Moreover, using this substance alongside other drugs such as alcohol may affect the signs shown. Some of the early signs of a heroin overdose are shallow breathing and dry mouth. Besides, one may have a weak pulse, blue nails, and low blood pressure. Overdosing on heroin can also lead to constipation, confusion, and drowsiness. Other signs of a heroin overdose are gasping for breath, pale skin, and a discolored tongue.
Seeking heroin overdose treatment can help control the effects of the drug. However, if a person does not obtain medical help, they may experience severe heroin overdose symptoms. For instance, one may lose consciousness and experience spasms and seizures. In other cases, one can stop breathing or experience visual hallucinations. If you are struggling with heroin addiction, contact our heroin addiction treatment center for help today.
Heroin Overdose Treatment
Overdosing on heroin may cause one to fall into a coma, which puts their life at risk. For example, if one vomits when they are unconscious, they may choke and die. So, it is crucial to obtain emergency medical attention if one suspects a user is overdosing. One should also try to keep the person awake and get information about the incident. Such information includes the amount of heroin used and if they took other drugs.
Furthermore, one should lay the person on their side in case they are unconscious to avoid aspiration. Medics can treat a heroin overdose using a naloxone antidote. This drug will cause an immediate withdrawal of heroin in the body of a drug user. One may also experience withdrawal effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea after the administration of the antidote.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
A large percentage of people who overdose on heroin are already addicted to the substance. Still, one can overdose on the drug the first time they use it, depending on their tolerance. Seeking heroin addiction treatment or a medication-assisted treatment program can help a person stop using the substance and avoid overdosing. However, withdrawing from heroin can lead to adverse side effects, such as seizures. Therefore, one should detox in a facility that offers medication-assisted treatment. Some of the most common drugs used to reduce heroin withdrawal effects are methadone and buprenorphine.
During treatment, one can undergo therapy to help them deal with the psychological aspect of addiction. Individual therapy also helps one manage the stress associated with prolonged drug abuse. Some of the therapies used in heroin addiction treatment include;
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
Recovering at CMAR
Heroin overdose symptoms may escalate and lead to death if one does not get treatment. At CMAR, we provide an outpatient treatment program for heroin addiction. We supplement our addiction treatment with peer support and physical healthcare services. This measure ensures that a person is in a proper mental and physical state for treatment. Contact CMAR at 833.448.0127 to start your long-term heroin addiction treatment.
