Narcotics
It's a fact…
Narcotics are highly addictive drugs that are used medically to kill
pain. They are often prescribed by doctors to relieve moderate and severe
pain (except heroin, which is illegal in the United States). The physical
withdrawal symptoms of narcotics are insomnia, tremors, nausea, chills,
muscular pains and uncontrollable kicking (hence the expression "kicking
the habit").
The most common narcotics are the following:
- Codeine
Codeine is a derivative of the opium poppy. It is the least addictive
type of narcotic and most widely used in medical treatment. It is
prescribed in pure tablets or in tablets containing other pain relievers.
Codeine is also found in some prescription liquid cough remedies.
- Morphine
Morphine is also derived from the opium poppy. It is precribed by
doctors and used in hospitals and is one of the most effective drugs
for the relief of pain. It can be taken in tablet or liquid (injectible
form).
- Heroin
Heroin was used as a legal narcotic in the United States until its
high potential for addiction was learned. Today, it is only sold illegally
on the street. Pure heroin is a white powder but heroin on the street
can vary in color from white to dark brown due to additives and impurities.
Heroin addicts are known as "junkies" because of the "junk"
with which heroin is cut.
- Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is commonly referred to as "Dilaudud." It
is sold as either a tablet or injectible fluid. Dialudid is semi-synthetic
and at least twice as potent as morphine. It is widely sought by narcotics
addicts.
Method of Ingestion:
Swallowed in pill form, sniffed, smoked or injected
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Narcotics:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Apathy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Constricted pupils
- Decreased physical activity
- Convulsions
- Respiratory depression
- Greater susceptibility to infection.
- Increased risk of hepatitis or AIDS from infected needles
- Coma
- Death
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