Narcotics Fact Sheet 

Narcotics, also called opiates, act on the central nervous system to slow down all body systems and are used medically as cough suppressants or pain relievers. These drugs have a high potential for abuse and for dependency. As mood altering drugs, they may be ingested by being eaten, smoked, snorted or injected.

Narcotics can be classified into three groups:

1. those of natural origin - codeine, morphine

2. semi-synthetic - heroin

3. synthetic - merperidine (Demerol ), methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid )

The route of use affects how quickly the user feels effects, with oral ingestion taking the longest time.

• relief from pain, analgesia

• drowsiness

• intoxication followed by euphoria, 'rush'

• slowed breathing

• restlessness, nausea, vomiting

• constipation

• pinpoint pupils

• lethargy, decreased physical activity

• impaired judgment and coordination

• nodding head, drowsiness

• constipation

• increased urination

The danger of narcotics/opiates depends on the specific type used, its source, the dose and the way it is used. Most dangers are caused by using too much of a drug, the use of unsterile needles, contamination of the drug itself, or combining the drug with other depressant drugs. Tolerance, needing more of the drug for the high, develops fairly rapidly.

• hepatitis

• muscle weakness

• stomach and bowel problems, malnutrition

• brain damage

• heart and circulation problems

• infections, HIV, AIDS, abscesses

• hormonal imbalance, impotence

• lung congestion

• death from overdose or complications

Withdrawal symptoms usually begin 4-6 hours after the last dose, are stronger approximately 1-3 days after they begin and subside within 7-10 days. Symptoms such as sleeplessness and drug craving can last for months.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• severe anxiety, panic

• insomnia, sleep disturbances

• profuse sweating

• muscle spasms, cramps

• chills, shivering, tremors, twitching

• nausea, vomiting

• yawning

• diarrhea

• restlessness

• dilated pupils

• cravings

• runny nose, eyes

There are basic approaches to drug abuse treatment:

• detoxification - supervised withdrawal with or without medication in a detox unit or as an outpatient

• methadone maintenance which uses methadone on a daily basis to help people lead productive lives while still in treatment

• outpatient counselling and self-help groups to encourage a drug free life.

Drug Dependency Services, Central Region, 1999