Are Narcotics Addictive?

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The term “narcotics” is often used interchangeably with opioids, but they have different meanings depending on the context (medical vs. legal). Narcotics cover a broad category of substances, including opioids as well as other controlled drugs such as cocaine.

In this article, the term narcotics will refer to opioids that are either legally prescribed by a healthcare provider for medical use or illicitly produced for recreational use. 

What Are Narcotics?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, narcotics/opioids come in various forms, including

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Skin patches
• Powder
• Chunks in varying colors (from white to shades of brown and black)
• Liquids for oral use and injection
• Syrupss
• Suppositories
• Lollipops

They are derived from natural substances in the poppy plant or are man-made to mimic these effects. Naturally sourced narcotics are those that are derived directly from the poppy plant. Then, there are synthetic ones, which are created entirely in labs. These include substances like methadone and fentanyl. Semi-synthetic opioids or narcotics bridge the gap. They’re synthesized from natural opium products, but they’re also created in a laboratory environment. Examples of semi-synthetic narcotics include morphine, heroin, and hydrocodone, among others. 

Narcotics/opioids are used to treat acute or chronic pain and, in some cases, for cough suppression. Although these substances are extremely beneficial when used responsibly, they are habit-forming and carry the risk of addiction.  

How Do Narcotics Become Addictive?

People can become addicted to narcotics/opioids regardless of why they start using them, including for legitimate pain management treatment.  Misuse, such as injecting heroin or crushing pills to get high, increases the risk of addiction as users chase their euphoric effects.

These substances work by binding to receptors in the brain, reducing pain and producing feelings of euphoria. As use continues, these effects change the way the brain functions. Over time, the body may become less responsive to the medication, leading a person to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.  This is referred to as tolerance.

With continued use, tolerance can lead to dependence, which means that an individual needs the substances to function normally. Soon, a person may have extreme cravings or withdrawal symptoms without it, leading to continued use despite unfavorable consequences. 

Addiction can also develop during legitimate pain management treatment.  Over time, the body may become less responsive to the medication, leading a person to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.  This is referred to as tolerance. With continued use, tolerance can lead to dependence, which means that an individual needs the substances to function normally.  

Taking more narcotics than prescribed often leads to addiction.

Symptoms of Narcotic Addiction

Some of the symptoms that point to narcotic addiction are:

• Apathy toward other responsibilities
• A strong desire to do more of the drug
• Drug-seeking behavior, or putting oneself in danger to obtain more narcotics
• Thinking about narcotics even when not taking them
• Changes in mood and behavior that last even when the individual is not taking the drug
• Physical symptoms such as:
  • Drowsiness or nodding off
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Slowed breathing, which puts a person at high risk for overdose
  • Itching or flushed skin
  • Poor coordination or slurred speech 
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using
  • Changes in pain tolerance
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting

There are a lot of risks associated with opioid use, especially when they are abused.  Over time, addiction can make it harder for someone to recognize just how much those risks are affecting their life. Even when the consequences start to outweigh any temporary relief or “high,” the pull to keep using can feel unmanageable. That is what makes addiction so serious.

Addiction can take over your decision-making and continue to worsen the longer it goes untreated. But all is not lost. There are treatment options available to help you get sober and find long-term recovery.  If you or someone you care about is struggling, professional help is available and can be a powerful first step toward a brighter, healthier future.   

Explore our website for more recovery resources, and check out our online directory of local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings near you to find peer support today. 

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