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What is Narcosis? | IANTD

If you’ve ever heard that deep diving can feel like being “a little drunk”… that’s actually a real thing 👇

👉 Narcosis (or nitrogen narcosis)

🌊 What is it?

Narcosis is caused by nitrogen at depth.

As you descend:

• Pressure increases
• Nitrogen starts affecting your nervous system

Result: your brain doesn’t work at full capacity.

🧠 What does it feel like?

It can vary, but common effects include:

• Euphoria 😄
• Overconfidence 😎
• Slower thinking 🐢
• Poor decision-making

⚠️ What’s the risk?

The biggest danger isn’t the feeling…
it’s not realizing your judgment is impaired.

This can lead to:

• Ignoring depth limits
• Forgetting the dive plan
• Underestimating risks

🎯 Simple takeaway:

Narcosis = when nitrogen at depth messes with your thinking

That’s why divers are trained to recognize it and, if needed, ascend a few meters to reduce the effect.

Clear mind = safe dive.

IANTDDivers

Great info out there... Always learning.. 🤓 is the key