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Prescription Narcotics
Narcotics are used to control chronic
or severe pain. Like alcohol
or sedatives, they depress
the central nervous system and have
mood-altering effects. Narcotics are highly addictive
and must be used carefully in a well-controlled manner.
Abuse of prescription narcotics usually
involves pills prescribed to treat pain. Because narcotics
have cough suppressant effects, they are used in cough
syrups, so this is another form that is abused. The
risk of using narcotics is that people without a history
of addiction can become addicted in several weeks. Sometimes,
patients begin with the prescribed dose and go on to
use more than the prescribed dose. Some individuals
who are addicted to prescription narcotics make frequent
trips to many different doctors and hospitals to get
a supply of the drugs. Others find that their doctor
is not properly supervising and authorizes refills repeatedly,
allowing them to slip into addiction.
Methods of Use
Prescription narcotics are generally taken orally.
Types
Opiate narcotics are among the most
commonly abused narcotics. Codeine, methadone, and morphine
(from which heroin is derived) are examples. All pain-relieving
narcotics, including Percodan, Vicodin, and Percoset
are very addictive.
Effects on the Central Nervous System
Narcotics induce an "opioid analgesia" by altering the
perception of pain at the spinal cord and brain. They
also affect emotional responses to pain. Opioids have
stimulating effects as well because they block inhibitory
neurotransmitters. Repeated use of these
drugs can cause long-term changes in the way the nervous
system functions
Intoxication
Addiction is a major risk with prolonged
use (over 2-3 weeks) of narcotics. Even moderate doses
of some narcotics can result in a fatal overdose.
When increasing doses of narcotics, the person may first
feel restless and nauseous and then progress to loss
of consciousness and abnormal breathing. Other risks
include withdrawal symptoms that may last for months.
Life Risks
Many prescription narcotic drugs are
particularly addictive and cause extremely unpleasant
withdrawal syndromes. Use by pregnant woman can adversely
affect the fetus. Methadone infant withdrawal is especially
severe.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from prescription narcotics
can be painful and unpleasant, especially when the drugs
have been used at abusive levels. Medical detoxification
is recommended. Symptoms can include the following:
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Runny nose
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Sweating
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Muscle twitching
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Muscle pain
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Headaches
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Irregular heartbeat
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Nausea and vomiting
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High blood pressure
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Fever
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Insomnia
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Dehydration
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Contact a physician or a treatment
facility if you have questions about detoxing from prescription
narcotics.
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