ON THE NOD

When the heroin addict has had a fix, he is said to be "on the nod" and wants to be left alone.  It is when the addict needs the next fix (when he begins to have withdrawal symptoms) that his thoughts and actions are directed toward getting money to buy more heroin.  This is when he becomes a problem to society.

A big habit can cost hundreds of dollars a day to maintain.  Men usually turn to robbery or drug dealing.  Women turn to prostitution.  It is estimated that at least 50% of the crime in the United States is directly or indirectly related to illegal drugs.

When the addict is "on the nod" he is not dangerous, but he is vulnerable.  The addict in the upper picture is on the nod and is not a threat to anyone.  The addict in the picture at left was also on the nod when some prankster shoved a wad of paper into his mouth.  He died from suffocation.

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