Narcotic

There are several different types of narcotics. The word narcotic, which comes from the Greek word for numbness, typically refers to any medication or substance derived specifically from the opium or poppy plant and has been used to provide pain relief for centuries. These substances are also known as opiates or opioids because of their analgesic (pain relieving) effect produced by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain.

Narcotic Is A Term For Variety

It should be noted there is a subtle difference between the two terms. Opiates are derived from the plant only and opioids are partially synthetic. Included in the opiate class are morphine and codeine. Opioids include heroin as well as prescription oxycodone and hydrocodone. Heroin is a derivative of morphine while oxycodone and hydrocodone are direct derivatives of codeine. They are also the most widely prescribed and abused pain medications. Abuse of these drugs has considerable risk of withdrawal symptoms and the possibility of severe side effects with prolonged use.

The medical definition of narcotic is more specific than its legal usage. Legally, the term narcotic is used to describe any substance strictly controlled or prohibited by the US government. This includes cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, opiates and opioids, benzodiazepines, and all illegal substances such as MDMA (ecstasy), Lysergic Acid (LSD), and Peyote.

Narcotic Addiction, Addiction Treatment Help

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) created a schedule system for narcotic substances based on this potential. Scheduled narcotics are rated based on accepted medicinal value and both physical and psychological dependence. Schedule I narcotics have no medicinal value and high probability of abuse while schedules II-V all have some medical value and the likelihood for abuse goes down with each tier, schedule V having the least potential for abuse. All types of narcotics, despite schedule tier, are addictive and should only be taken as directed.

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