The drug overdose epidemic that has already claimed the lives of far too many Americans in recent years continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The fact that heroin overdoses caused 0.7 of every 100,000 American deaths in 2000 and 2.7 of every 100,000 deaths in 2013 illustrates this point.

The reasons for the overdose epidemic are many, but the experts at AION Health Group point to the potency and low price attached to many of the street drugs available today.

AION experts also explain that many people turned to street drugs like heroin after legislators made it more of a task for them to obtain the prescription drugs they craved.

But whatever the reason that is attributed to the increase in drug overdoses, knowing the signs of an overdose is helpful. Knowing what to do in response to an overdose may save a life that would have become lost without life saving intervention.

What are The Main Signs of a Drug Overdose:

Numerous signs can point to the possibility that a person has ingested more drugs than their body can handle.

Common signs of a heroin overdose include, Difficulty breathing, A dry mouth or discolored tongue, Smallish pupils, A blue tint to fingernails or limps, Extreme fatigue, Constipation, Stomach Cramps, Loss of consciousness.

How to Respond?

If it is suspect a person is suffering the effects of a drug overdose, an immediate call to 911 is in order.

There is no need to waste time with any of the home remedies for an overdose in circulation.

These remedies will not work, and the time wasted may cause emergency workers to miss the window of opportunity available to spare the overdose victim permanent damage.

It is important to remember that every second the overdose victim goes without oxygen, the chance of brain damage increases.

The Aftermath.

There is no way to get around the fact that a drug overdose is a terrible experience for both the overdosed person and the people that love them.

However, the incident can become the catalyst for the person to get the help they need.

The potential for overdose is present each time an individual purchases heroin or another drug off the street.

The purity of these drugs is different from batch to batch, and a user has no way of knowing the impurities added to the drug.

This fact means that a dose taken today and handled with no problem can threaten the life of a user when purchased at another time. A new life in recovery is the only way drug users will eliminate the possibility of future overdoses.

Several factors have combined cause a spike in the number of drug overdoses happening in America.

Individuals that take the time to learn the signs of a heroin overdose may be able to save the life of someone close to them if this unfortunate event ever occurs. The person experiencing the overdose should seek treatment to help avoid another of these life threatening events.