The Heroin Nod
When someone asks, “What is nodding out on heroin?” the question is a little bigger than what it seems. This is partly because of the dangers involved in sustained opioid use. And partly because of what can happen if symptoms of nodding out are present.
First, what is nodding out? It’s a slang term used to refer to the trance-like state heroin, fentanyl, and other opioid users experience as a result of drug use. It’s also called the heroin nod because of the caricatured nod of the head when in the state.
The dangers involved in the heroin nod have to do primarily with how much of the drug or opioid were used and in what kind of environment they are in when experiencing the effects.
What Does Heroin Nod Look Like?
So, what are the characteristics of nodding out? As the brain absorbs heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids, the user experiences a rush or feeling of euphoria. In the long run, the euphoric state is followed by a period where the person’s state alternates from periods of drowsiness to instances where they’re wide awake.
The nod out looks like a person is drifting in and out of sleep. Semiconscious is the technical term.
Eventually, as they nod in and out of this trance-like state, it reaches a point where they lapse into a deep sleep that can last a few hours. And you really can’t wake this person up. It is like a mini coma. Which should be as alarming as it sounds.
What’s Happening to Me when I Nod Out?
Opioids are a depressant (or a relaxant). Specifically, they effect the central nervous system. It might sound nice to have a “relaxed” nervous system, but we are talking about functions your body needs to survive. The lowered blood pressure, breathing, and heart rates, that make you feel a deep relaxation are extremely hazardous.
When your body is completely sedated the nods will occur. And the longer you use heroin or other opioids, the more you need. So even if you think, nodding out is “fine.” It is not. Nodding out can absolutely be a sign that you have taken too much and are overdosing. That said …
Top 3 Dangers of Nodding Out
Slipping in and out of consciousness is dangerous. This should never be something you opt for voluntarily. When you throw heroin, fentanyl, and opioid addiction in the mix, things get even more frightening. Here’s why.
Overdose
First and foremost: opioid overdose. Nodding out is an early sign that someone is increasingly using more heroin than their body can tolerate.
As a user gets closer to overdosing, they’ll experience extreme drowsiness to episodes of total unconsciousness that can last a few minutes or hours.
Eventually, they may never regain consciousness as an overdose causes them to slip into a full-blown coma. Vital functions are then inhibited, causing the body to shut down.
Possible Injury
Nodding out is extremely dangerous, especially for users who use machinery frequently. Similarly, if a user nods out while driving, it can cause death and severe injuries to the addict and the public. Even a fall due to nodding out can be fatal for the user. Other than that, imagine being completely incapacitated in a sketchy basement somewhere. The scene can get grisly quickly.
Death
Nodding out is an early sign of an impending overdose if drug use is continued. As a result, once a user starts nodding out, they’re at a higher risk of dying from a drug overdose. Opioid overdoses account for a staggering 82.3% of overdose deaths in the United States. There are many reasons this is the case, but simply put if you or your loved one has experienced the nodding out, there is a substantial risk that at some point they might not wake up.
What to Do if You Are Overdosing on Heroin
Two things can save your (or your friend’s life in an overdose). First, keep naloxone on hand. Consuming heroin or fentanyl or other opioids is never a good idea. But don’t make it worse. Keep Naloxone (also known as Narcan) on hand. Narcan basically removes the opioids from the brain receptors. And it does it fast. And it is not a pleasant experience. But it could save your life if you administer it quickly.
Then call 911. Your life or your friend’s life is in danger. Get help, now.
What to Do to Stop Overdosing in the First Place
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and starting to experience instances of nodding out, it’s time to seek help overcoming the addiction. Don’t get to the place where any of the above scenarios are necessary. A qualified drug rehab in Austin, Texas will have the experience and evidence based tools to help you find a path to addiction recovery.
Addiction treatment is the way to overcome drug dependency and avoid overdosing.
The key to stopping is information on your next steps. Give us a call. We can answer your questions about what treatment looks like, how long it will take, and everything else.
