Opioid Overdose Is Not Sleep. It Can Be a Brain Injury Event

Summary: Have you ever seen someone "nodding off" from opioids and thought they were just taking a nap? Think again. Opioid overdose is completely different from normal sleep or being put under anesthesia at the hospital.

While normal sleep heals the brain, and anesthesia is carefully controlled by doctors to keep oxygen flowing, opioid use slows down your breathing. This starves the brain of oxygen, causing a dangerous condition called hypoxia. What looks like a peaceful, sleepy nod is actually a medical emergency that can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

If you see someone slumping over or nodding out from opioids, don't assume they are just "sleeping it off." They might be in serious danger. They need immediate help, like a call to 911 or a dose of Narcan, to save their brain and their life.

Source: Psychology Today URL: psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-outlook/202605/opioid-overdose-is-not-sleep-it-can-be-a-brain-injury-event (opens in new tab)