One of the most concerning things about drug addiction is to witness someone nodding off. Read on to learn more.
What is “Nodding Off”?
Nodding off is also called nodding out, having the nods or being on the nod. It’s the repeated gesture of an addict’s head drooping as they start to slip into a drowsy, dreamlike state of semi-consciousness and then snap back to wakefulness.
It’s a sign of their body struggling to cope with the impact of the drug, especially on their respiratory system. It’s also a sign of the risk of overdose which may require immediate intervention.
Nodding off happens with a variety of drugs when abused. They overwhelm the brain’s opioid receptors and seriously depress the central nervous system, causing drowsiness.
Signs and Symptoms
There are a number of signs and symptoms associated with nodding off. They include:
- Altered consciousness: Fluctuation of the level of consciousness is the main sign of heroin or opioid intoxication. A person may apparently fall asleep mid-conversation, then suddenly wake up. This pattern can repeatedly occur
- Slowed breathing: Opioids cause slower and shallower breathing by suppressing respiratory functioning. The person may even briefly stop breathing (apnea), This requires immediate medical attention
- Pinpoint Pupils: Constricted pupils is another key sign
- Impaired motor skills and slurred speech: One of the most noticeable effects on the central nervous system is with motor skills and speech. The person may lack coordination to do basic tasks and have slurred speech
- Lack of responsiveness: When someone nods off they may lack normal responsiveness to external stimuli such as calling their name. It may become difficult to wake up someone who has nodded off
- Behavioral changes: Inability to engage in social interactions, neglect of responsibilities and being highly secret about their activities indicate nodding off
What Drugs Can Make You Nod Off?
Nodding off is most common with the following drugs:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl
- Prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, oxycontin, codeine
- Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax, among other sedatives
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
All of these act on the opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. They suppress pain, induce relaxation and enhance the feeling of pleasure. And they may result in nodding off.
The Dangers of Nodding Off
Nodding off brings a number of dangers, including:
- Respiratory depression: When the drug significantly slows the person’s breathing brings the greatest risk. This lowers the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. This can lead to breathing stopping altogether. It may result in coma, permanent brain damage or even death. The risk is heightened when heroin is mixed with other substances, especially sedatives or alcohol
- Mental health effects: Using heroin or opioids can significantly affect someone’s mental health, especially if there are pre-existing conditions such as anxiety and depression. Nodding off can worsen these effects, causing a greater sense of isolation and vulnerability
- Unintentional injuries: The risk of accidents is heightened by nodding off. Due to the person’s impaired state they may experience falls, burns or other accidental injuries
- Risk of Infection: Injecting heroin carries a high risk of infection for HIV and Hepatitis C. The loss of awareness while nodding off can prevent treatment of injuries or infections, increasing the risk of severe complications
The Thin Line Between Nodding Off and Overdosing
The distinction between nodding off and an overdose is indeed a fine one. Nodding off is a transitional state of drowsiness resulting from drug use. It doesn’t necessarily indicate an overdose. However, if the nodding off has other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, it could indicate an overdose.
An overdose happens when the central nervous system is overwhelmed. This results in a variety of physical and neurological reactions and is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate attention. The main symptoms are:
- Unresponsiveness: The person is not able to respond or wake up. Reflexes are slowed or absent.
- Slow or shallow breathing: Respiratory depression can limit oxygen supply to vital organs
- Blue lips or fingertips: In white people this represents a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. For people of color the skin takes on a gray, ashen tone
- Pinpoint pupils: These constrict, even in dim light
- Confusion or disorientation: They may show this or have difficulty staying conscious
Getting The Right Help at the Right Time
An overdose may be fatal. In that case it’s critical to get medical help immediately. If someone is nodding off, observe them carefully and keep them hydrated.
Help Is Available in Los Angeles
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles, we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of the darkness of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
Opioid Overdose Basics. Recognizing Opioid Overdose. 2020. National Harm Reduction coalition.
