(843) 350-5769

Signs of a Heroin Overdose

Table of Contents

If you take heroin, you are at risk of overdose. It’s important to know the signs of overdose and how to respond. It could save your life. Dependence and tolerance to heroin build quickly. This means that you need more and more of the drug just to feel “normal.” As your tolerance grows, so does your risk of overdose.

If you or someone you love is using heroin, a heroin rehab center in South Carolina can ensure a safe detox and withdrawal process, even after non-fatal overdoses. Contact Southern Sky today at 843.350.5769 for more information on our programs.

Signs of Heroin Overdose

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that depresses the nervous system. A heroin overdose occurs when a person uses too much of the drug, and their nervous system can no longer function properly. This can lead to life-threatening side effects. Act quickly if you suspect that you or a loved one is overdosing from heroin. Such an overdose is visible and recognizable if you know the signs:

1. Slow or Shallow Breathing

One of the first signs of a heroin overdose is slow or shallow breaths. Opioids slow down breathing rates, so high doses will affect the lungs and airways before anything else. Someone with slow or reduced breathing might:

  • Look unusually pale
  • Gasp for air
  • Have a bluish tint on lips, fingertips, or fingernails

In the worst-case scenario, slowed breathing can decrease the oxygen going to the brain. This condition can lead to a coma or permanent brain damage if oxygen isn’t restored quickly.

2. Unresponsiveness

The second common sign of a heroin overdose is unresponsiveness to physical and mental interactions. Someone overdosing on heroin might appear asleep and fail to respond to touch or sound.

3. Other Physical Clues

A person experiencing an overdose may experience

  • Dry mouth
  • Weak pulse
  • Discolored tongue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach spasms
  • Chest pains
  • Confusion
  • Extremely small or “pinpoint” pupils
  • Drowsiness or inability to stay awake
  • Nonsensical speech
  • Aggression

If you or a loved one is possibly experiencing an overdose, you must seek treatment at an emergency room as soon as possible. Neglecting to do so could result in serious complications or even death.

Other Health Risks of Heroin Use

Even if an overdose is not imminent, heroin can impact your health in a severe and significant way. Short- and long-term effects of heroin use can include:

  • Infections of the heart lining and valves
  • Liver disease
  • Collapsed veins (for people who inject heroin)
  • Damaged nasal tissue (for people who sniff heroin)
  • Lung damage
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Abscesses (swollen tissue filled with pus)
  • Increased risk of developing pneumonia
  • Heart rhythm problems, which can lead to cardiac arrest

These conditions can lead to permanent damage or death if not treated quickly and effectively. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin dependence, getting help as soon as possible is important.

Help for Heroin Addiction at Southern Sky Recovery

Heroin and other opioids can be challenging habits to break once you are addicted. That’s why Southern Sky Recovery gives clients the time, space, resources, and encouragement they need to sustain recovery. Our opioid addiction treatment programs include various options, from our partial hospitalization program to one of our outpatient programs.

All participants can access peer support groups, where they’ll learn from others in recovery, and individual therapy sessions, where they’ll learn more about their addictions and triggers. For clients whose families are involved in their treatment, family therapy is available to help all members of the family unit make positive, permanent changes as a group.

Don’t wait for a heroin overdose to make a change. Get in touch with us at 843.350.5769 and get help for you or someone you love today.

Recent Posts

Request a Confidential Callback

Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Our Program

We are In-Network With:

  • TriCare
  • United Healthcare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna

We also accept most major PPO insurance plans. Find out your personal options for treatment right now.

Verify Insurance

Peter Bean

Licensed Physician Assistant

Peter Bean Licensed Physician Assistant Peter Bean was born and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, and graduated with a B.S. in Biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During college he enjoyed volunteering as an EMT at the local fire department and playing on the College’s rugby team. He moved to the Charlotte suburbs in order to study at Wingate University, and he graduated with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. He spent the first couple years of his career doing general psychiatry before specializing in Addiction Medicine and has been working with Dr. Emmel since 2024. Peter currently resides in South Carolina along with his wife, 2 children, 2 dogs, and 3 chickens. Other hobbies (as time allows) include riding his motorcycle and helping with his family’s pepper garden.

Pam Deloach

Care Coordinator/CPRS

Pam is a Peer Support Specialist with Southern Sky, dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion, understanding, and hope. Born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina, Pam is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 20 and 10. She has always been drawn to work that helps others, spending 20 years as a massage therapist before beginning her own journey through recovery. Inspired by her experiences, Pam chose to use her story, strength, and insight to walk alongside others who are struggling with addiction.

In her free time, Pam enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family and friends, attending church, and cheering on her son at his baseball games. These moments keep her grounded and remind her of the joy in everyday life. She is committed to empowering individuals, building trust, and creating a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth.

Ben LaGrange

Community Relations Advocate

Ben is a person in long-term recovery with a gift for creativity, a deep connection with people, and a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. After getting sober in 2018, he discovered that authenticity was the greatest gift he could offer. Embracing it brought genuine connection, creative freedom, and a beautiful life in recovery.

With experience in multimedia, fine art, and digital design, Ben studied photography at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has spent years working as a professional photographer and marketer. He has also worked in recreational and art therapy for substance use treatment and has led educational groups on anger management and relapse prevention.

Ben believes that connection is the opposite of addiction—and that when we allow ourselves to be fully authentic, we become our most powerful selves, capable of deeper connection and better equipped to help others navigate a turbulent world.

Keith Toomer

Residential House Manager

Keith began his career in the maintenance and plumbing industry, where he built hands-on experience and a strong work ethic. During that time, he faced significant challenges with addiction. His decision to seek help led him to Southern Sky Recovery in Bluffton, South Carolina—an experience that transformed his life.

Through the support of Southern Sky Recovery, Keith rebuilt his foundation and discovered his true passion: serving others on their recovery journeys. He was given the opportunity to become the Men’s Residential House Manager, a role that allows him to guide, support, and mentor men as they work toward lasting recovery.

“For the first time in my life, I found a career that truly fulfills me. I love working in addiction recovery and being part of a community dedicated to helping others heal and grow.”

Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending quality time with his family. He remains committed to his own recovery and has a strong interest in nutrition and exercise, which help him stay grounded, healthy, and focused.

He is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve his community and work in a field that gives his life purpose.

Call Now Button