: What causes the “dope lean” when someone is overdosing on heroin/another opioid? If opioids are meant to loosen you up, why does the body appear to be locked in that position?

Question

: What causes the “dope lean” when someone is overdosing on heroin/another opioid? If opioids are meant to loosen you up, why does the body appear to be locked in that position?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Pretty much it comes down to their body still functioning, even in a really messed up state. They aren’t technically unconscious, and their natural instinct to stay upright is still going strong. Their body keeps falling but the natural reaction to straighten back up before they collapse happens.