Opioid
Heroin
Heroin is an opioid made from morphine. In most of the country it has been largely replaced by, or mixed with, fentanyl, which means a bag sold as heroin may be far stronger than expected.
Also called: dope, H, smack
Withdrawal is rough, rarely fatalSigns it has become a problem
- Nodding off, slowed speech
- Pinpoint pupils, itching
- Track marks, or long sleeves in summer
- Missing spoons, cotton, foil or needles
- Sick every morning until using
What withdrawal is like
Overdose and emergencies
Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, no response. Give naloxone, call 911, do rescue breathing if you know how. Risk is highest after a break: detox, jail, a hospital stay.
Dangerous combinations
Mixing with alcohol or benzos multiplies the breathing risk. Assume any heroin contains fentanyl.
What actually helps
Buprenorphine, methadone or extended-release naltrexone, with counseling. Detox alone, with no medication after, has a very high relapse rate.
Common questions
Can you die from heroin withdrawal?
It is rarely fatal on its own. Starts 6 to 12 hours after the last use and peaks around days two and three: muscle aches, sweats, vomiting, diarrhea, restless legs, no sleep. Rarely fatal, deeply miserable, and the top reason people go back.
What does an overdose or emergency look like?
Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, no response. Give naloxone, call 911, do rescue breathing if you know how. Risk is highest after a break: detox, jail, a hospital stay.
What treatment works for heroin?
Buprenorphine, methadone or extended-release naltrexone, with counseling. Detox alone, with no medication after, has a very high relapse rate.
Written in plain English for education. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Demo Clinical review by a licensed professional is part of the launch plan and will be named here.
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