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¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Cortland will take Good Samaritan behavior into account in situations when a student has contacted emergency services because of his or her concern for someone else’s health (alcohol, drug, other).

Heroin/opioids: the basics

Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug processed from morphine, a substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder and ingested by snorting, smoking, or injection.

It is in a class of powerful prescription painkillers called opioids. Prescription painkillers (e.g. oxycodone and hydrocodone) can be equally dangerous.

Symptoms of Heroin/Opioid Abuse

• Pupils are small pinpoints
• Raspy voice, dry mouth
• Speech is slow and slurred
• Individual appears to be nodding and falling asleep
• Agitation

An Overdose is deadly serious

A heroin or prescription painkiller overdose can be fatal. If you suspect a friend has been using heroin or opiate pills and shows any of the following symptoms, please call 911 for emergency medical attention immediately.

No breathing | Shallow breathing | Slow and difficult breathing | Dry mouth | Weak pulse | Coma | Extremely small pupils | Tongue discoloration | Bluish colored nails & lips | Delirium or disorientation

Campus Police: 911 or 607.844.6511
College Options Program: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4487
College Health Center:  607.844.8222, Ext. 4487
College Counseling Center: 607.844.8222, Ext. 4260
Cortland Prevention Resources: 607.756.8970

Myths and Facts

Myth: You can tell when someone is high.
Fact: Existing signs of use are subtle.

Myth: It’s safe to use opiate pills or heroin just once.
Fact: Because the strength/dose of the drug can vary greatly and is unpredictable, even first-time use can cause overdose and death. Tolerance and addiction to opiates can develop quickly.

Myth: People who are addicted can stop any time.
Fact: Few individuals can quit alone. Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and can last up to a week. Symptoms of withdrawal include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Myth: Heroin makes people productive or just relaxed.
Fact: After the initial effects, users are usually drowsy for several hours, mental function is clouded, heart function slows, and breathing is also severely slowed, sometimes enough to be life-threatening.

Myth: Taking a prescription drug is safer than street drugs.
Fact: Even people who are prescribed opioids to relieve a medical condition could eventually fall into the trap of abuse and addiction.