Can you overdose on heroin?
Yes, but heroin overdoses can often be reversed.
Yes, you can overdose on heroin. Remember: not all overdoses are fatal, but even non-fatal overdoses can have lasting health effects.
Heroin has been involved in a smaller portion of overdose deaths in the United States since 2020 because it has been largely replaced by fentanyl.
People can overdose on heroin by taking too much or taking more than they anticipated. People with no or low opioid tolerance are most at risk for a heroin overdose if they accidentally consume too much of the drug. However, people with established opioid tolerance are also at risk for overdose. This is because they may be accustomed to consuming smaller doses and people do not always know how much they are taking. Drugs in the underground market are not labeled and tested. This means people may accidentally consume high doses of heroin without their knowledge or their heroin may be mixed with other drugs like fentanyl. The risk of a heroin overdose is higher if it is consumed with other opioids or depressant drugs, like fentanyl, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers.
