What are Narcotics?
Overview
Narcotic drugs are prescription drugs that are used to relieve pain. They are also called opiates or opioids. Narcotic drugs have a very high potential for abuse. Narcotics can cause feelings of calm, euphoria, pain relief, and a general feeling of well being.
There are literally hundreds of medications that are classified as narcotics, but some of the more common ones are morphine, oxycodone, oxycontin, and codeine. The danger of narcotic medications is that they can be taken exactly as prescribed and the patient can easily become addicted if they take the narcotic medication for any length of time.
Narcotic Drug Side-Effects
There are many side effects to using narcotic medication. The side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Loss of concentration
- sleeplessness
- constant itching
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
- respiratory depression
The side effects of narcotic medications can also have a pronounced effect on liver function. Many narcotic medications also contain aspirin which is toxic to the liver in large amounts.
Narcotics Addiction
Narcotic medications are highly addictive. Users of narcotic drugs develop a tolerance level for the drug. This means that they need to use more and more of the same drug to attain the high they previously got from a lesser amount of the same medication.
Addiction to narcotics is both physical and psychological. The physical addiction occurs because the drug blocks the dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is the bodies natural chemical which triggers pleasurable feelings. When the narcotic is introduced the drug produces this chemical which lessens the brains ability to do so. This is an actual physical change that occurs.
Narcotics are psychologically addictive as well. The feelings of well being and euphoria are so pleasurable that the person literally cannot bear not having the narcotic medication. The psychological addiction can trigger physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, cramping, and irritability.
Narcotic Abuse Treatment
Narcotic medication abusers usually achieve the best success in treatment by using a combination of methods. Remember that it may take more than a few tries before you are able to quit. Different treatments will work better or worse depending on the user.
Metahdone is a common medication given to narcotic medication abusers. Methadone is a synthetic drug that is given to addicts usually on an outpatient basis. The addict will got to a clinic and get their daily dose of methadone. Methadone blocks the withdrawal symptoms from narcotic abuse while lessening the physical craving. Many people do very well on a methadone maintenance program. This is usually a fairly long term solution and requires dedication to the program.
Group therapy, such as Narcotics anonymous, is often a very good option for narcotic drug users. This can be used in conjunction with other programs such as methadone maintenance.
Cold turkey is the term used to describe the user that just decides to quit on their own. They stop using drugs without any treatment in place and suffer through the withdrawals. This is not recommended because the physical withdrawal can have serious medical consequences.
Narcotic Drug Links
If you would like to know more about narcotic drug abuse please feel free to visit the following sites:
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