Narcotic Drugs Essay

309 Words2 Pages
Narcotic, drug that produces analgesia (pain relief), narcosis (state of stupor or sleep), and addiction (physical dependence on the drug). In some people narcotics also produce euphoria (a feeling of great elation). A brief treatment of narcotics follows. For full treatment, see drug use. The main therapeutic use of narcotics is for pain relief, and hence they are often called narcotic analgesics. The best-known narcotics are the opiates—i.e., compounds found in or derived fromopium. Opium is obtained as the dried milky juice of the seed pods of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Of the 20 or more alkaloids found in opium, the most important is morphine, which is primarily responsible for opium’s narcotic properties. Drugs with actions similar to morphinethat are produced synthetically are known as opioids; the terms opiate, opioid, and narcotics are used interchangeably. In most countries the production, trade in, and use of narcotics are limited because of their addictive properties, detrimental effects, and the incidence of narcotic drug abuse. Stimulants, sometimes called “uppers,” temporarily increase alertness and energy. The most commonly used street drugs that fall into this category are cocaine and amphetamines. Prescription stimulants come in tablets or capsules. When abused, they are swallowed, injected in liquid form or crushed and snorted. SHORT-TERM EFFECTS The short-term effects of stimulants include exhaustion, apathy and depression—the “down” that follows the “up.” It is this immediate and lasting exhaustion that quickly leads the stimulant user to want the drug again. Soon he is not trying to get “high,” he is only trying to get “well”—to feel any energy at all. LONG-TERM EFFECTS Stimulants can be addictive. Repeated high doses of some stimulants over a short period can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Such doses may also
Open Document