Cory Monteith’s death, along with many other similar tragedies, brings up a point that is rarely mentioned: the extremely rapid reduction in tolerance to opioid drugs such as heroin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and others, especially when combined with other depressant drugs such as alcohol.
Tolerance begins to drop immediately when the drugs leave the system, and in a matter of days can decrease remarkably. An addict who has been abstinent – for whatever reason – can easily OD on even a fraction of the amount he or she was using at the end of the last run. Since many relapses involve alcohol as well, the danger becomes even greater.
We’d rather you didn’t use again, but if you do, don’t make the common mistake that has killed thousands! And pass this information on. Cut the dose way back – WAAAAY back – if you decide to use again. There is no hope for eventual recovery if you’re dead.