DEATHS FROM HEROIN OVERDOSE

'There Are Risks Inherent In Relapse To Heroin Intake Following Abstinence
From The Drug'

Respiratory suppression after heroin overdose is the most common cause of
death among heroin users, but the reasons why some users have a higher risk
of death than others are unclear.

Morphine, the main active metabolite of heroin, is deposited in the hair of
heroin users, and analysis of hair samples can show the history of
addiction over several months.

Franco Tagliaro and colleagues obtained hair samples from 37 heroin
overdose fatalities, 37 active heroin users, 37 former heroin users, and 20
non-users from Verona, Italy. The researchers found that the hair of the
overdose-fatality cases contained much less morphine than that of the
active heroin users, suggesting virtual abstinence from the drug in the
months preceding death.

Low heroin tolerance following abstinence may lead to a corresponding
decrease in the size of a fatal dose. These findings have implications for
the future management of detoxification programmes.