How Alcohol Affects The Brain
WHO IS MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO ALCOHOL? Those with higher personality trait inhibitedness are most susceptible to alcoholism. The[...]
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In 2016 there were 63,632 drug overdose fatalities. Of those fatalities, 42,249 or 66.4% involved opioids. Of the opioid overdose fatalities, 15,469 involved heroin.
Signs of opioid poisoning include pinpoint pupils, slowed or stopped breathing, blue lips and fingernails, cold clammy skin, and seizures.
What’s so peculiar about heroin overdose is that it often occurs at home, and usually in the company of others.
Heroin exerts its lethal effect by depressing respiration, which leads to a rapid drop in oxygen saturation. If breathing slows too much or stops altogether, the cells in the brain become deprived of oxygen and begin to die. That’s why even a tiny heroin overdose can be fatal.
People often overdose on heroin because they can’t tell, with any certainty, what dose is safe. Heroin overdose fatalities are more likely in conjunction with another drug, such as alcohol or Xanax, or immediately after being discharged from a detoxification center, in-patient treatment program or correctional facility.
The only treatment currently available to reverse heroin-induced respiratory depression, i.e. heroin overdose, is by direct antagonism of the site of action of opioid effect, the μ-opioid receptor, using naloxone intravenous or nasal spray.
Naloxone is a medicine that can treat heroin overdose, even if the person is in a deep and presumably irreversible coma, if it’s given right away. It works by removing the opioid molecules from the opioid receptors. Sometimes more than one dose is needed to help a person start breathing, which is why it’s important to get the person to an emergency room to receive additional support if needed.
Perform CPR if necessary. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention
Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency. Respiration and circulation should be maintained. Oxygen and assisted ventilation should be administered if necessary. Monitor for pulmonary edema. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary. Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary. Do not use emetics.
Certain groups are at higher risk of heroin overdose, including the morbidly obese, those who suffer from sleep apnea, others with specific neuromuscular diseases, children and the very old. The elderly are the group most liable to heroin poisoning. However, those who are physically dependent to heroin are the group most likely to overdose. We also know that most heroin addicts are in their mid twenties (22-27).
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