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Part 6 - NarcoticsNarcotics are primarily used as painkillers; their name even means "to numb or deaden." In low doses, they produce euphoria; in high doses, they produce a "zonked out" numbness. They frequently produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. They are highly addictive and frequently lead to overdose. The naturally occurring narcotics are known as opiates. There are also synthetic forms of narcotics that are usually less dangerous, in that they may not produce physical dependence. Some narcotics are prescription drugs for pain and others are simply illicit substances. Heroin and opium are the most common illegal forms. Prescription narcotics are often abused and may be sold on the street to be used by an addict as a substitute for heroin. Withdrawal symptoms from narcotics are severe.
Heroin is processed from morphine, which is a substance that is extracted from the opium poppy plant. It usually appears as a white or brown powder. Heroin activates the brain's pleasure system and inhibits the brain's ability to perceive pain. Heroin is stronger today than in the past; thus many users are snorting or smoking the drug rather than injecting. Addiction and tolerance occur rapidly. The user will experience an intense craving for heroin, but the usual dose won't produce a high. Instead, it merely takes the edge off of the craving and keeps the user from becoming sick. Withdrawal is severe and can last up to 72 hours. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cramping and severe shaking. Methadone is often prescribed as part of the treatment for addiction. Methadone is a medication that may be administered to the individual, daily, by a medical professional at a clinic. This medication will keep the user from experiencing withdrawal symptoms, thus allowing him/her to focus on treatment and recovery.
NARCOTICS/HEROIN
- What it is
Names:
Narcotics - codeine, Demerol, morphine, morph, M, Percodan, percs, opium
Heroin - horse, smack, junk, brown sugar, china white, H
Speedball - mixed with cocaine or amphetamines
Croak - heroin and cocaine in smoke-able form
Type:
Narcotic analgesic as natural or semi-synthetic opiate. Synthetic opiates.
Forms:
Powder, poppy juice solution, pills.
Usage:
Injected into bloodstream (mainlining, hit) or muscle, or under skin (skin popping). Swallowed or snorted. May be smoked in a water pipe or standard pipe, mixed in a marijuana joint or tobacco cigarette. Inhaling it as smoke through a straw is known as "chasing the dragon."
Other forms:
May be combined with aspirin or acetaminophen in pain relievers. Used in cough suppressants and anti-diarrhea medications.
What it feels like
Orgasmic rush of pleasure, numbness, lack of pain, euphoria. Anxiety, depression, nausea, constipation may occur as after-effects. User experiences a "nod," such as nodding off to sleep.
What it does
To your mind:
Depresses breathing and other brain centers. Relieves pain and anxiety.
To your body:
Depresses all body systems.
Special Characteristics:
"Antagonists" such as methadone prevent narcotic effects from developing. Sharp, localized pain is not relieved well by narcotic analgesics. Withdrawal effects from all narcotics (and for methadone) can be severe.
Signs of use
Constricted pupils, head nodding, watery eyes, droopy eyelids, itching or burning skin, injection marks.
How it can hurt you
Impurity of street drugs, dangers of needle use (including infection, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis), withdrawal effects, limited vision, reduced sex drive, menstrual irregularity, chronic constipation, mood swings, breathing problems, heart problems, tremors, muscle twitches, hyperactive reflexes, nervousness, restlessness, seizures, toxic psychosis. Death from malnutrition, overdose, combination effect of barbiturates and other sedative/hypnotic drugs. Severe Withdrawal - a methadone program may be used for treatment of addiction. Dependence develops with tolerance and cross-tolerance of other drug effects, and fear of withdrawal. Unborn children of dependent mothers absorb the drugs and are born drug dependent. They then experience a life-threatening withdrawal process after birth. Methadone infant withdrawal is especially severe.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Narcotics are highly addictive. Withdrawal is severe and can last up to 72 hours. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, agitation, tremors, depression, loss of appetite, chills alternating with flushing, excessive sweating, watery eyes, runny nose, muscle pain and spasms, and severe shaking. Methadone is often prescribed as part of treatment for addiction. Methadone is a medication that may be administered to the individual, daily, by a medical professional at a clinic. This medication will keep the user from experiencing withdrawal symptoms and allow him/her to focus on treatment and recovery.
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