Heroin overdoses are traumatic for both user and loved ones
alike; the neurological effects of which can cause days, months or life-long
damage. Neurological disabilities may require individuals to relearn information
and skills from scratch, with some users requiring professional treatment for
years on end.
Sedation or Sleepiness
A mild neurological effect of overdose, sedation is caused
by the substance reaching the
bloodstream and hitting the brain. Sleepiness is generally temporary, wearing
off within an hour or two. Once the drowsiness has worn down, additional
symptoms may come into play.
Personality Changes and Confusion
Users experiencing an overdose are often confused;
exhibiting garbled speech patterns, memory issues and signs of disorientation.
Problems with communication or formulating thoughts are also apparent,
alongside extreme mood swings and personality changes. While these effects will
often diminish over a few hours time, memory issues have inhibit a user for
months following the incident.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are another temporary effect of overdose.
Most last for only hours.
Coma
A vegetative state, persistent in nature, may occur
following heroin overdose. These comas may last for hours, days or even weeks
at a time. In some cases, physicians may elect to place a patient in a
medically induced coma when stimulation is to excess.
Brain Damage
Brain swelling, ruptured blood vessels, reduced blood supply
or drug induced stroke during an overdose may result in brain damage… a
potentially permanent side effect, causing long- or short-term memory loss,
learning difficulties, attention problems and personality changes.
Seizures
An overdose can cause our brains to short-circuit, creating
a seizure-like experience. Though these seizures may only be experienced during
the initial overdose period, prolonged seizure phases may require medicated
assistance.
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