Narcotics This article is about the drug classification. For the scuba diving reference, see Nitrogen narcosis.

For the sedative agent, see Sedative. For pain control medications of both narcotic and non-narcotic varieties, see Analgesic. For the album by Muslimgauze, see Narcotic (album). Heroin, a powerful opioid and narcotic. The term narcotic (pronunciation: /n r k t k/, from Greek nark , benumb ) originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. In the United States of America it has since become associated with opioids, commonly morphine and heroin and their derivatives, such as hydrocodone. The term is, today, imprecisely defined and typically has negative connotations.[1] [2] When used in a legal context in the US, a narcotic drug is simply one that is totally prohibited, or one that is used in violation of strict governmental regulation, such as heroin or morphine. From a pharmacological standpoint it is not a useful term,[3] as is evidenced by the historically varied usage of the word. Alcohol is the principle that gives to ardent spirit and wine their intoxicating power; while the narcotic principle to opium and tobacco imparts similar properties. In popular language, alcohol is classed among the stimulants; and opium and tobacco among the narcotics; which are substances whose ultimate effect upon the animal system is to produce torpor and insensibility; but taken in small quantities they at first exhilarate. And since alcohol does the same, most medical writers, at the present day, class it among the narcotics. Edward Hitchcock, American Temperance Society (1830)[4] Statutory classification of a drug as a narcotic often increases the penalties for violation of drug control statutes. For example, although federal law classifies both cocaine and amphetamines as "Schedule II" drugs, the penalty for possession of cocaine is greater than the penalty for possession of amphetamines because cocaine, unlike amphetamines, is classified as a narcotic. What is a "narcotic" drug? The first thing you should understand about the word "narcotic" is that it is used incorrectly more than it is used correctly. One good, quick way to tell whether someone actually knows anything about this subject is to listen to their use of this word. If they tell you that marijuana, cocaine, and meth are "narcotics" then count them among the vast legions of totally clueless people on this subject. The word "narcotic" comes from the Greek word "narkos", meaning sleep. Therefore, "narcotics" are drugs that induce sleep. Specifically, that means the opiates such as heroin, morphine and related drugs. This is the correct meaning, so you should accept no other.

Cocaine and meth are not "narcotics". They are "stimulants", the exact opposite of a "narcotic". They cause people to be more awake and more active, not sleepy. Calling them :"narcotics" makes as much sense as calling coffee a "narcotic". The classification of other drugs such as marijuana, alcohol, and others is open to question. (That is a subject for another page.) Some might call them "tranquilizers", "depressants", or even "hallucinogens". Marijuana and alcohol may even have a tendency to induce sleep at times. However, calling them "narcotics" simply shows a lack of understanding of the different effects. The problem is that US Government officials, and others who enforce and support drug prohibition, tend to refer to all illegal drugs as "narcotics". They do that for three major reasons. One reason is that they are genuinely ignorant about these drugs and their effects. That may sound like a strange thing to say about our top drug law enforcers -- people supposed to be the top experts in this field -- but I can assure you that it is 100 percent true. After years of talking to them, I haven't met one yet -- from the official United States Drug Czar to the local narcotics officers on the street -- who could pass the most basic factual quiz on the subject. The second reason is that "narcotic" sounds dangerous and makes good headlines. Consider how attractive newspaper headlines would be if government officials proclaimed the dangers of "tranquilizers" (which narcotics are, in some respects). It just doesn't have the same sex appeal. The third reason is that it blurs the line between things like marijuana and heroin. Police can't take a lot of credit for busting someone with an ounce of pot, so they call it a "narcotics bust." Watch for how people use the word "narcotic". It will tell you instantly whether their opinion on the subject is really worth the puff of air it takes to speak it.

Narcotic drugs Explanations > Brain stuff > Narcotic drugs Alcohol | Amphetamine | Benzodiazepines | Cocaine | Cannabis | Nicotine | Opiates | LSD | PCP | There are many narcotics. Here are a few and their effects. Alcohol Action Significant use of of alcohol leads to increases in inhibitory transmission at GABA-A channels, increased seratonin function, dopamine release and transmission at opiate receptors, and a reduction of excitatory transmission at glutamate receptors. Effect Positive effects include anxiety reduction, inebriation sedation and relaxation. Negative 'hangover' effects include headaches, trembling, memory loss and sickness. Withdrawal effects include autonomic hyperreactivity, nausea, hand tremor, anxiety, hallucinations and memory loss. Amphetatmine Action Amphetamine increases monoamine release, particularly dopamine. Secondary effects appear in the inhibition of dopamine reuptake. The enhanced release and inhibited re-uptake of dopamine is important for its reinforcing effects. Effect Negative withdrawal effects include anxiety, depression, tiredness, sleeping, increased appetite, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. Benzodiazepines Action Benzodiazepines binding at the GABA-A/benzodiazepine receptor. This leads to an increase in chloride passing through chloride ion channels, enhancing inhibitory transmission. Increased dopamine transmission can occur from the Ventral tegmental area with significant benzodiazepine use, although decreased dopamine levels occur in the nucleus accumbens.

Effect Positive effects include euphoria, sedation, relaxation and memory depression. Negative effects include drowsiness, headaches, amnesia and stomach upsets. Cocaine Action Cocaine binds to dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin transporters, though prevention of dopamine re-uptake is particularly significant in its reinforcing and psychomotor stimulant effects. Cocaine has been linked with depression of the orbito-frontal cortex, where thoughtful decisions are made. It has also been suggested that it depletes natural opiods to the extent that the body tries to compensate by creating more opiod receptors or increasing existing receptor readiness to bind with with opiod molecules. Effect Positive effects include euphoria. Negative withdrawal effects include dysphoria, fatigue, sleep disturbance, increased appetite and anxiety. Cannabis Action The main active ingredient in cannabis is delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-THC), which is an agonist at the cannabinoid receptor. This prevents reuptake of dopamine, seratonin, GABA, and norepinephrine. The CB1 cannabinoid (receptor is most common in the hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Effect Positive effects include relaxation and a sense of well-being. Nictotine Action Nicotine is an agonist at the nicotinic receptor, leading to increased transmission of a number of neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, seratonin, glutamate, and endorphin. Effect Positive effects include mild euphoria and relaxation.

Withdrawal effects include dysphoria, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, decreased heart rate and weight gain. Opiates Endogenous opioids are peptide that include endorphins and enkephalins. Exogenous opiates include morphine and heroin (diacetylated morphine). Action Opioids are as agonist at three major opiate receptors. The mu receptor is important for the reinforcing effects and are largely located on cell bodies of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and on neurons in the nucleus accumbens. Delta opiate receptors may be important for the control of behavioral reinforcers. Kappa opiate receptors are involved in withdrawal symptoms of opiates. Effect Positive effects include a sense of well being and euphoria. Negative withdrawal effects include dysphoria, nausea, muscle cramps, tear production, diarrhoea, sweating, anxiety and fever. LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) Interestingly, this is a drug that animals do not reliably self-administer. Effect Vivid hallucinations. Phencyclidine (PCP) Action High levels of the PCP receptor are found in the hippocampus and neocortex, with intermediate levels in the amygdala, nucleus accumbens and caudate nucleus. Effects Positive effects include ehuphoria and inebriation. Altered body image, feelings of isolation, disorganization, drowsiness, hostility.

Types of Narcotics Darvocet - Narcotic Information Hydrocodone Methadone Percocet Side Effects Heroin Hydromorphone Oxycodone Vicodin

Narcotics are the oldest, and the strongest, analgesics (pain-relieving) drugs known to mankind. In ancient Sumer and Egypt, medical texts detailing the use of the opium poppy to treat coughs, insomnia and pain date as far back as 4000 B.C.E. Opium was the first opioid to be used and was a common folk remedy for centuries before its addictive properties were recognized; as widespread opium addiction became a problem during the 19th century, laws limiting and regulating its use were passed. The term "narcotic" comes from the Greek word narcosis, which refers to the process of numbing or the numbed state. Today, the term "narcotic" refers to substances that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. For Immediate Assistance with Narcotics Call 866.879.542 Classifications A narcotic is a central nervous system depressant, and any addictive psychoactive compound that has sleep-inducing properties, reduces pain and induces euphoria. The Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs, 1961, limits the possession, use, trade, distribution, import, export, manufacture and production of these drugs to medical and scientific purposes and discourages drug trafficking, and exercises control over more than 116 narcotic drugs. Narcotics are classified by various drug schedules by the DEA, with regard to their potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Uses Narcotics are used as analgesics for pain control, such as after oral surgery, for severe menstrual cramps, or for temporary pain relief in other outpatient surgical procedures. Intravenous narcotics are also used for palliative care in relieving pain of patients diagnosed with terminal cancer.

As antitussives, narcotics are commonly used as cough suppressants. Codeine is a common ingredient in prescription cough medications. Narcotics are also used as antidiarrheal medications; Paregoric, a liquid tincture containing powdered opium, anise oil and glycerine is sometimes prescribed for severe diarrhea. Effects Narcotics have a number of physical side effects, including: Constipation Drowsiness Euphoria Analgesia Visual impairment Respiratory depression Reduced anxiety Sedation Skin irritation Nausea.

Similar Drugs Narcotics are classified into three groups according to their origins. Natural derivatives of opium include morphine and codeine. Partially synthetic drugs derived from morphine include heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone. Synthetic compounds that resemble morphine chemically include fentanyl, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone, and propoxyphene.

Addiction Information Narcotics are highly addictive substances with a great potential for abuse and dependence. Tolerance to narcotics is established within two to three days of continued use. Cessation of narcotics results in withdrawal symptoms, which can perpetuate addiction due to unpleasant physical and psychological sensations. Most addicts need the aid of a treatment center or rehab to quit using narcotics.

Withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms of narcotics can begin as few as twelve hours after use; acute physical symptoms can last up to five days, with psychological and emotional withdrawal lasting a matter of months. Physical symptoms accompanied by narcotic withdrawal include: Sweating Shaking Muscle spasms and cramps Nausea Vomiting Insomnia Joint and bone pain Lack of appetite Anxiety Depression Fever Irritability Rapid heart rate and breathing.

Overdose Because tolerance to narcotics builds up after short use, individuals addicted to narcotics must use higher and higher amounts of the drug to achieve the initial effect, which can lead to serious health problems, coma and death.