WHAT IT IS

This class of drugs includes narcotic analgesics from natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic opioids. Familiar varieties include: Codeine (schoolboy), heroin (junk, horse, H, Harry, scat, smack, scag, brown sugar), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), merperidine (Demerol), methadone, morphine, oxycodone (Percodan), pentazocine (Talwin), propoxyphene (Darvon), diphenoxylate (Lomotil), fentanyls, hydrocodone (Novahistex DH), levallorphan (Lorfan), MPPP, and opium. All opioids function as CNS depressants, interacting with specific opioid receptors in the brain.

Narcotics are available in a variety of tablets and capsules, as well as in liquid or powder form. They can also be mixed with stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine for a "speedball". Narcotics may be administered orally, nasally (snorting), or by injection. Injection can be into the bloodstream (mainlining), intra-muscular, or under the skin (skin popping).

Narcotic combinations are also available, such as Codeine or Morphine with ASA (aspirin) for moderate pain from imflammation. Some cough suppressants may contain morphine, codeine, or hydrocodone. Anti-diarrheal medications may contain morhine or opium. Opiates are generally prescribed for pain relief or anesthesia.

Effects

Usually brings about a rush of pleasure, which can be more intense if injected. There may be a general numbness, lack of pain, and a sense of euphoria. After-effects can include anxiety, depression, nausea, and constipation. Breathing is depressed. Users can experience drowsiness or disorganized thinking.

Tolerance develops quickly, resulting in a physical withdrawal and a strong craving for the drug. Withdrawal can bring about sweating, heart palpitations, running nose, tearing eyes, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The withdrawal can be very unpleasant but is not lethal. Withdrawal usually last 5-7 days for short-acting opioids such as heroin and morphine, or may last 10-21 days with longer-acting opioids such as methadone.

Dangers relating to the use of narcotics include the impurity of street drugs, the dangers and possible infections of needle use, withdrawal, seizures, heart and breathing problems, and toxic psychosis. There is also the possibility of death due to overdose or malnutrition, or from combining narcotics with other drugs such as sedative/hypnotics or alcohol.

Fact: All narcotics are addicting and dangerous.

Other Resources

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information