Exclusive Addiction Rehab for Heroin Overdose

Heroin addiction and overdose: the risks

Known to be one of the most dangerous substances abused today, heroin can cause devastation in the lives of those who become overwhelmed by the compulsion to consume it. Even using this substance once can lead to overpowering cravings for more. As these cravings become all-consuming, and individuals continue to use heroin, their bodies become tolerant of the substance, requiring them to increase the dosage that they use or the frequency with which they use, ultimately resulting in the development of addiction and dependence. And, sadly, this harrowing addiction can be one of the most difficult to overcome without rehabilitation or treatment.

The chronic abuse of heroin can elicit countless negative repercussions in an individual’s life. As is true for an addiction to any kind of substance, the acquisition and consumption of heroin rapidly becomes a person’s top priority, leaving other responsibilities to fall to the wayside. These people begin to frequently miss work or demonstrate a significant decline in their productivity while at work, which can result in demotion or job loss and lead to subsequent financial difficulties. Family life can become tremendously disrupted as individuals place all of their focus on their addiction, potentially leading to separation, divorce, loss of child custody, and other types of familial discord. Furthermore, individuals who use heroin are at significant risk for suffering from any number of health detriments as their use of this dangerous substance continues. Of these health risks, one of the most concerning is overdose, which can be fatal.

The signs of heroin overdose

An overdose occurs when a person consumes so much of a substance that his or her body is incapable of appropriately metabolizing it. There are instances in which a person’s body will attempt to excrete the substance, but, in many cases, this is unsuccessful. Examples of various signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone has overdosed on heroin can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tongue discoloration
• Muscle spasms
• Weakened pulse
• Dry mouth
• Hypotension
• Lips turning a bluish color
• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Labored breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Coma

If any of these symptoms are present, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.

What to do if a person is showing signs of heroin overdose

Overdosing on heroin can be a life-threatening occurrence. If medical attention is not immediately received, the outcome could be fatal. For this reason, if you believe that a loved one may have overdosed on heroin, it is imperative that you call 9-1-1. If you can, the following information should be shared with responding medical personnel:

• The amount of heroin that you suspect your loved one ingested
• The length of time that you believe your loved one has been abusing heroin
• The route of administration (e.g. snorting, smoking, or injecting)
• Whether or not you suspect that your loved one used any other substances in addition to heroin
• Whether or not your loved one has any medical conditions
• Whether or not your loved one has experienced an overdose previously

If you are unaware of any of this information, however, it does not mean that your loved one will not get the care he or she needs.

If you believe that you, yourself, have suffered an overdose, and if you are able to, contact 9-1-1 or request that someone else does. Providing any information will be beneficial, but is not required in order for rehab or treatment to be received.

Exclusive heroin addiction rehab at Bayside Marin in California

Overdosing on heroin is one of the many signs that could indicate that a heroin addiction is present. When a person is abusing this perilous substance, it is imperative that he or she receives treatment. At Bayside Marin rehab center, in California, we recognize how much devastation an addiction to heroin can cause, and we understand how difficult it can be to seek treatment. For these reasons and more, we offer comprehensive care that is centered on an individualized treatment plan, ensuring that each person receives the interventions that he or she needs to meet his or her specific recovery goals. The treatment offered at Bayside Marin can be life-saving. If you are suffering from an addiction to heroin, or if you have a loved one who is addicted to this substance, at risk of heroin overdose, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team of addiction treatment experts wants to help you or your loved one make the life-saving changes that can lead to lasting recovery.