Heroin Overdose: Methadone Detox Facts

Question: Can someone tell me what happens with a heroin overdose?

(Posted by: akristel2003 on 2008-02-12 08:30:52)

My friend died of a heroin overdose. I just want to imagine what he went through in his final minutes. Please help, not admonish.

Posted by: doctorayula on 2008-02-12, 08:36:34

Heroin slows down breathing, and can stop it altogether. Most heroin overdoses occur when heroin is combined with other drugs with a depressant effect, particularly alcohol and sleeping pills like Valium or Normison. While overdoses caused by a single high IV dose of pure heroin may cause immediate death, many overdose victims do not fall into an immediate coma as is often the portrayal of OD in popular culture. It is often a prolonged process of breathing becoming slower, the brain becoming damaged through lack of oxygen, and eventually the person dying. This means that the person can generally be helped if they have assistance in time. In fact, at least 80% of fatal heroin Ods occur because the person used on their own. Early detection signs of overdose are not being able to get a response, very slurred speech, lips turning blue, and slow breathing.

Posted by: MaryAnn on 2008-02-12, 08:34:33

It is hard to ask the person as you know they DIE. I cannot imagine many people know.

Posted by: Brian F on 2008-02-12, 08:36:35

Watch Uma Thurman in "Pulp Fiction "- sorry.

Posted by: the_only_solorose on 2008-02-12, 08:37:36

Cause of death in overdose is usually respiratory failure, followed by cardiac failure leading to lack of adequate oxygen to the brain and ultimate death. Basically, they go to sleep and never wake up.

Posted by: ConcernedCitizen on 2008-02-12, 08:39:32

If it's any consolation, it was probably peaceful, like going to sleep.

Posted by: bill f on 2008-02-12, 08:42:07

Hi, Dr. ray and the only have said it all. The only has said it in easiest to understand terms. Remember Drugs are one way, and it's not UP

Posted by: keltillos on 2008-02-12, 08:44:08

I am a nurse who works often with addicts, corrections, and so on. I am also a former paramedic. I've never witnessed a death due to narcotic overdose, but I've sure prevented a few. Narcotics depress respiration. Try holding your breath until you pass out. DO NOT use a mechanical aid of any type unless you wish to join your friend. The experience was worse for your friend because he could not simply start breathing again. People who are withdrawing from narcotics (another possible source of death) experience horrible aches and pains, painful hypersensitivity to sounds and lights, irritability, nausea and often vomiting, and frequently diarrhea.

Posted by: chaney s on 2008-02-12, 13:52:45

Heroin is technically called diacetylmorphine. It is a morphine direvitive. When you overdose you will feel no pain, you will go into a stuppor and then eventually die becuse the drug will effect areas in your brain that tell your lungs to breath. So, you will just stop breathing. Pretty peacefull way to go if you ask me.