True or false: The effects of heroin can be reversed with naloxone.

The statement is true because naloxone is an opioid antagonist specifically designed to reverse the effects of opioids, including heroin. When administered, naloxone competes with opioids at the receptor sites in the brain, effectively displacing them and reversing their sedative and respiratory depressant effects. This is particularly crucial in overdose situations where heroin use leads to life-threatening respiratory depression.

The effectiveness of naloxone relies on its ability to quickly bind to the same receptors as heroin but without activating them, thereby restoring normal breathing and consciousness. The assertion that it can only reverse effects in overdose situations emphasizes the medication's primary role in emergency settings, as its use is generally most critical when someone is experiencing severe toxicity due to opioid use. However, it is essential to recognize that naloxone can reverse opioid effects more broadly, not just in overdose scenarios.