Someone who resorts to using opioids such as heroin may find themselves nodding out. This term is used to describe the state of an individual who, after taking the drug, appears to doze off or go to sleep momentarily.

For anyone unfamiliar with this reaction, it could be best described as someone who nods off say, during a boring meeting or on a drawn-out train journey. 

However, nodding out due to the side effects after consuming the drug is much more serious than just dropping off to sleep or trying to stay awake out of boredom as it affects the central nervous system and can lead to serious accidents causing harm or even fatal injuries.

Fentanyl is a man-made synthetic opioid drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and because it is cheaper to manufacture, more illicit dealers are adding this substance to heroin as well as to other street drugs.

Because fentanyl is so much more powerful, the risk of overdose increases largely and the damaging effects it has on the body multiply considerably.

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Nodding Off On Heroin and Other Opiates

The terms “nodding off”, “nodding out” or a “fentanyl nod” are associated with one of the most common side effects involving heroin use or other opioid use such as fentanyl.

Referred to mostly as “nodding out on heroin”, when this happens, the person becomes so tired they start to drift in and out of consciousness. As they begin to lose consciousness, the head steadily droops and nods, then suddenly jerks moments later to regain consciousness.

This reaction occurs as the heroin slows down the body’s central nervous system by stimulating opioid receptors within the body. The process can cause severe drowsiness and sedation which is one of the main reasons people use the drug for its calming and relaxing sensation.

What Drugs Cause a Heroin Nod?

In general terms, “nodding off” is related to heroin abuse. One may experience the same effect when abusing even prescribed opioids, namely oxycodone and hydrocodone when the drugs are used against their original purpose. This could mean they are taken without having a prescription, taken more frequently, or in larger amounts.

What are the Dangers of Nodding?

Nodding off does not slow the central nervous system down to the point of dying like it would be taking an opioid overdose, but due to the nature of the effect it has on the body, there is still a high chance of risk and danger due to the possibility of suffering physical injuries, sometimes life-threatening.

Examples may be that the person nods off whilst driving a car or operating machinery and it veers out of control, or if standing, they may fall and cause severe injury to themselves.

• Tolerance to the drug. A person requires bigger doses in shorter timescales to satisfy the desire for the effects they give.
• Dependence. When not used, symptoms such as sweating and nausea may develop. 
• Loss of interest and isolation from normal activities. 
• Lack of motivation and energy.
• Family and friends are neglected or avoided.
• Personal hygiene is ignored.
• Scars and scratches appear as a result of injecting opioids (commonly known as “track marks”).
• A constant runny nose resulting from snorting opioid substances.

When there are significant signs of someone nodding off, there is a high chance of having overdosed on heroin.

Overdosing on Heroin or Other Opioids

Heroin and other opioids, such as fentanyl, are generally used because they bring a short-term feeling of euphoria. Because this sensation is relatively short-lived, the urge is to take it more frequently and this can lead to overdose.

In the case of overdosing, the person sleeps or “nods off” until they become unconscious and breathing can stop. Most overdose deaths caused by heroin are due to respiratory failure.

Symptoms arising from overdose affect different parts of the body and manifest with various dysfunctions.

• Respiratory conditions, such as slow, shallow breathing or stop breathing altogether.
• Discolored tongue and dry mouth.
• Constricted pupils in the eyes. (pinpoint pupils).
• Low blood pressure or weak pulse.
• Cyanosis (nails and lips take on a blue color).
• Spasms and contractions within the stomach and intestines.
• Constipation.
• Disorders of the nervous system, such as regularly falling asleep, delirium, involuntary muscle movements, disorientation, or coma.

Anyone using heroin is at high risk of drug overdose, and their health can be immensely damaged. If you or someone you know shows signs of addiction to substance abuse, you must seek immediate help. 

Fentanyl and Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

At Resilient Recovery, our focus is to address the complexities that are associated with fentanyl addiction, taking into account the challenges this brings due to its strong potency.

The first stage of the recovery process is an initial assessment to understand the uniqueness of the addiction for each patient so we can put together a personalized treatment plan. This ensures every aspect of the addiction can be addressed.

The next step is detoxification, when our medical team ensures the withdrawal process is as comfortable as possible, carried out in a safe and secure environment so they can supervise and manage any complications that may arise.

Our treatment center provides full, comprehensive support that continues with every step of recovery to ensure every patient can return to a life of sobriety.

For further information about our facilities and treatment program for addiction, call us today and our friendly staff will discuss the options available and answer any query you may have.