Is A Heroin Overdose Painful?

The short answer to this question is that no, a heroin overdose is not painful.

When someone overdoses on heroin or any other opioid, their breathing slows down to a point where eventually their body forgets how to breathe and they stop breathing completely.

At this point, however, they have generally already lost consciousness.

Someone who dies from a heroin overdose essentially dies in their sleep and will therefore feel no pain in the process.

Because of this, surviving a heroin overdose depends largely on having someone else there who recognizes that there is an overdose happening.

Knowing The Signs Of A Heroin Overdose

Symptoms of a heroin overdose will start about 10 minutes after the last dose was taken. It can come on very quickly and should always be considered a life-threatening situation.

Signs of a heroin overdose include:

• shallow breathing
• gasping for air
• pale skin
• bluish lips and/or fingertips
• weak pulse
• confusion or disorientation
• nausea and/or vomiting
• spasms or seizures
• difficulty staying awake or loss of consciousness

What To Do For A Heroin Overdose

Someone who is experiencing a heroin overdose will have nearly an impossible time getting help for themselves or even being able to recognize what is happening to them.

If they are alone and fall asleep in this state, it is likely already too late for them.

A fatal heroin overdose is not usually a quick event and can take several hours after the person has fallen asleep.

If you suspect that an overdose is happening, call 911 and try to wake the person and help them restore normal breathing.

Even if you are not completely sure, it is better to be safe than sorry — never let someone who may be overdosing attempt to sleep it off.

Finding Treatment For Heroin Addiction

Heroin is one of the top killers of all drugs available today. Attempting to quit heroin without professional supervision can be dangerous and is often not successful.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff