Narcotics

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Narcotics
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Narcotics

• The narcotics most commonly abused are
• OxyContin
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Heroin

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OxyContin Facts

• An opioid analgesic used to treat severe pain
• It is a controlled-release narcotic available by
  prescription in tablet, capsule, or liquid form.
• Abusers crush the pills to remove the
  time-release coating and the powder is snorted,
  chewed, or cooked to inject.

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Effects of OxyContin Abuse

• Slowed breathing
• Nausea vomiting
• Constipation
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Weakness

• Withdrawal effects include
• Restlessness
• Muscle bone pain
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Cold flashes
• Involuntary leg movements

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Codeine Facts

• Derived from the opium poppy plant, it is turned
  into morphine by the body to control pain and
  suppress cough.
• Can be obtained in low doses in over-the-counter
  medications (cough medications), or in higher
  doses by prescription (Tylenol-3)

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Codeine Facts

• Prolonged use can result in physical and
  psychological addiction.
• Severe allergic reaction can occur and may
  include swelling, itching, rashes, hives,
  difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest and
  tremors

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Effects of Codeine Abuse

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Depression
• Lack of sex drive

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Morphine Facts

• Morphine occurs as a white crystalline powder
  which directly affects the central nervous
  system.
• The powder is usually dissolved in water or
  alcohol and then injected into the body
• Medically used to treat severe pain

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Effects of Morphine Abuse

• Euphoria
• Impairs mental and physical performance
• Relieves fear anxiety
• Decreases hunger
• Inhibits cough reflex
• Produces constipation
• Reduces sex drive

• Menstrual irregularities in females
• Highly addictive

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Heroin Facts

• The most commonly abused of narcotics
• It is an opiate drug synthesized from morphine.
• It is usually found as a white or brown powder,
  or as a black sticky substance known as black
  tar heroin.

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Heroin Facts

• Heroin can be taken orally, snorted, smoked, or
  injected.
• Heroin abusers who inject the drug run the risk
  of contracting HIV or Hepatitis.
• Heroin abusers often use other drugs as well.

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Heroin Facts

• Heroin is highly addictive. One time use may
  cause addiction.
• Tolerance develops with repeated use so more of
  the drug is needed.
• Abusers who initially swallowed, snorted, or
  smoked heroin will eventual need to inject the
  drug directly into the bloodstream.

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Heroin Facts

• Purity levels of Heroin have increased from 13
  in 2001, to 24 in 2009, and now 38 (with some
  samples tested at over 50.
• Some abusers mix heroin with other drugs such as
  alcohol, cocaine (speedballing) and ecstasy

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Effects of Heroin Abuse

• Euphoria
• Dry mouth
• Constricted pupils
• Increased body temperature
• irregular blood pressure
• Slow irregular heartbeat
• Heavy feeling of arms legs
• Blackouts, memory lapses, delusions
• depression
• Irritability

• Hallucinations
• Changes in attitude or behavior
• Loss of sex drive
• Stroke or heart attack by blood clots resulting
  from insoluble additives
• Accidental overdose
• Coma and death