What are Narcotics?

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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, narcotics are defined as a class of substances that dull the senses, relieve pain and often produce drowsiness or sleep. While the term “narcotic” is often used in common language to mean illegal drugs, in medicine, these drugs are more often referred to as opioids.

Narcotics, According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The DEA is the leading law enforcement operation in the United States tasked with combating the sales and distribution of narcotics and illegal drugs, enforcing federal anti-drug laws and investigating major drug criminals and gang operations nationally and in coordination with other agencies worldwide.

Narcotic Drugs

Narcotics fall into two categories:

Legal (Prescription) Opioids

• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Codeine
• Dilaudid
• Fentanyl
• Methadone
• Tramadol
• Buprenorphine

Illegal Opioids

• Heroin
• Illicitly manufactured fentanyl
• Fentanyl analogs such as carfentanil
• Opium, when sold outside of legal medical uses

What do Narcotics Do?

Narcotics are commonly prescribed to treat mild to severe pain and work by blocking signals in the brain and throughout the body. They also trigger the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of contentment, pleasure and relaxation.

When narcotics are used for their intended purpose, they have a long history of being among the most effective drugs available. However, because they activate the brain’s reward system, repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence and in some cases, addiction.

Other Narcotic Effects

Apathy and loss of energy are common effects of narcotics.

Beyond the effects described above, narcotics can cause sedation, drowsiness, lack of coordination or impaired motor functioning, impaired cognition, itching, sleep disturbances, apathy, loss of energy or lessened physical activity, pupil constriction, flushing of the face or neck, and constipation.

Over time, many individuals who use narcotics will develop tolerance, where the body becomes accustomed to the drug and requires larger doses to achieve the same effect. Beyond tolerance is dependence. Dependence is a condition in which the body becomes physically adapted to a drug after repeated use and without it, withdrawal symptoms occur.

As addiction takes hold, it can severely damage a person’s health, relationships and social stability, and is often linked with issues such as crime, disease, homelessness, disability and mental health struggles.

Narcotic Abuse

People may abuse narcotics by taking them to get high, using them more often than prescribed, mixing them with other substances or using methods such as snorting or injecting. These behaviors greatly increase the risk of serious consequences, including overdose, coma and death.

How to Overcome Addiction to Narcotics in 4 Months or Less

With the right treatment and support, you can overcome narcotics addiction and begin living the life you deserve.

Narcotics Under the International Control

Over 180 countries around the world have joined treaties that aim to limit the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to medical and scientific uses while preventing diversion into illicit channels. Some include the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

Narcotics: According to State Law Enforcement

Federal and state law enforcement agencies have been using a variety of tools to help combat the “U.S. opioid crisis.” While their main focus is to stop drug trafficking and illegal distribution of narcotics, their role in this public health emergency has expanded to providing overdose prevention, treatment referrals and community health approaches.

Narcotics as Controlled Substances

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies substances based on their abuse and dependence potential, their legitimate medical value and how dangerous they are. Under the act are 5 Schedule classifications, with Schedule I substances having the highest abuse and dependence potential, with no acceptable medical purpose and Schedule V having legitimate medical value with the lowest abuse and dependence potential. Most narcotics are considered Schedule I or Schedule II substances.

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