SUDDEN DEATH

When an addict overdoses, death may be sudden and unexpected.  Death can occur for a number of reasons.  It is thought that over a period of time, an allergy to heroin may develop.  At the time of injection, the addict may be sick and unable to tolerate his usual fix, or he may inject a purer form of the drug than his system is used to.  Finally, the addict may be given an intentional overdose or "hotshot" if it is suspected that he has been informing to the police or that he has ripped someone off in a drug deal or drug buy.

Shown here are three cases in which death was so sudden that the needle was still sticking in the arm or leg when the body was discovered.

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