Narcotics are a class of drugs that sooth pain, ease discomfort and are widely prescribed for treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with previous illness, injury, disease or other condition. In moderate doses, narcotics can relieve pain and dull the senses making pain more tolerable but prolonged use of these drugs can lead to a tolerance, physical dependence and subsequent addiction. There are many facts about narcotics surrounding the method of use, the dangers associated with prolonged use and various other factors.

If you or someone you love is addicted to narcotics, call  800-934-1582(Who Answers?) for help finding treatment. 

Fact: Narcotic is derived from the Greek word narkotikos which means numbing

Fact: Most narcotics are classified into one of three groups

• Natural narcotics
• Synthetic narcotics
• Semi-synthetic narcotics

Fact: Narcotics can be taken in many different ways

• Snorting
• Injecting
• Oral consumption
• Smoking
• Suppository

Fact: Narcotics are depressants

• They work on the central nervous system to dull the senses
• They can cause sedation, slurred speech, depressed respiration

Fact: Narcotics are really just opiates

• They are typically either derived from the opiate poppy (natural narcotics) or they are synthesized in a lab setting to act like an opiate (opioid)

Fact: Narcotics are addictive

• Even when they are taken as prescribed, narcotics have a wide potential for causing physical dependence and addiction
• More than 1/3 of all Americans will use narcotics at least once in their lifetime
• Tolerance develops quickly and sustained use will lead to dependence

Fact: Narcotics account for nearly one quarter of all crimes

• Studies estimate that 25% of all people in prison are serving time for drug related offenses, many of them related to narcotics

Fact: Narcotics cause withdrawal symptoms that are very difficult to cope with

• When an individual is addicted to narcotics such as heroin or morphine, the withdrawal symptoms may be mild, moderate or even very severe when they decide to quit
• Narcotics can cause respiratory distress, high blood pressure, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting as a result of withdrawal

Fact: Nearly 10% of the United States Population is addicted to narcotics

• The majority of people who are addicted do not even realize that they have a problem
• More minority groups actually enter treatment for narcotics addiction than whites despite the fact that there is an equality in the number of people of all races who need help

For more information about narcotics, or for help finding a treatment program, call  800-934-1582(Who Answers?) .