What changed about odysseus soldiers after they encountered the lotus-eaters?

The men lost all desire to return to their homeland.

In the book IX of the Odyssey, we can see the fragment where Odysseus and his men are driven by a furious wind to the island of the lotus-eaters. This plant, in the book has narcotic properties and all the dwellers of the island live in a sleeping state. The inhabitants of the island give a try to Oysseus'men who fell into the effects of the plant and therefore just want to stay on the island.

Upon witnessing this situation, Odysseus force his men to return to the boat. This part of the book is a methapor of the sloth of some people who rather to stay enjoying luxury and comfort instead of facing the issues and situations of daily life.