When you are in pain, the first thing that you would do is to see a doctor. You will be prescribed with a medication in order to relieve the pain. Most probably, you will be given narcotics since this medication is considered as the most potent.

However, with wide narcotic use also comes abuse and addiction. It is recognized as such when the medication is taken in for other purposes; other than improving pain.

Narcotics

Opium poppy has natural derivatives which are known as opiates. These include heroine,  codeine, and morphine. Heroine, which is recognized as most abused drug, is an example of semi-synthetic drugs. On the other hand, there are some types of drugs which are inherent to the body. An example for this would be endorphin, which produces effects similar to morphine.

The other types of narcotics are methadone, codeine, meperidine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone.

When you take in narcotics for pain control, there is a huge tendency that you will become dependent or addicted. Usually, you are provided with a high dosage in order to lessen your consciousness to pain. However, this is so strong that it also creates a euphoric sensation. With this discovery, a lot of people on narcotics medication tend to abuse its use.

There is a big difference between drug dependence and drug addiction. The former occurs when you are tolerant to the effects of the medications. Aside from this, you will go through symptoms of withdrawal the moment you stop taking it. On the other hand, the latter is a constant use of the drug which leads to compulsion and self-destruction. This also means that you’re taking it in for reasons not related to eliminating pain.

The main reason why a lot of individuals abuse their medication is because of its great capacity to induce high sensations. Euphoria is characterized by a wave of orgasmic sensation. This is followed by elation and relaxation, then sleep. This is due to the stimulation of the narcotic receptors within the CNS and its surrounding tissues.

You will know that you are addicted to the drug when you experience the following symptoms: pain, feeling of highness, shallow breathing, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, itchiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slurred speech, confusion, and poor judgment.

When narcotic abuse leads to overdose, this is the best time to seek medical help. The treatment for overdosed patients is Narcan, an antagonist for narcotics. This is supplied to the patient through IV. On the other hand, when it comes to treating addiction, the process is long. When you are addicted and you seek help, you may be provided with a substitute and then weaned off it. This problem may also be treated with natural cures. You can opt for herbal remedies, like green tea which is great for toxic narcotic. You can also stick to a dietary plan. Yoga and regular exercise is also advisable.