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NARCOTICS Narcotics, term originally applied to all
compounds that produce insensibility to external stimuli through depression
of the central nervous system, but now applied primarily to the drugs known
as opiates—compounds extracted from the opium poppy and their chemical derivatives.
Also classed as narcotics are the opioids, chemical compounds that are wholly
synthesized, but which resemble the opiates in their actions. The most important
attribute of narcotics is their capacity to decrease pain, not only by
decreasing the perception of pain, but also by altering the reaction to it.
Although they do have sedative properties when used in large doses, they are
not used primarily for sedation. The major constituent of
opium and the prototype of all narcotic analgesics is morphine, which was
isolated and chemically analyzed by the German apothecary F. W. A. Setürner
between 1805 and 1817. Other narcotics used in the U.S. are meperidine (trade
name Demerol), codeine, and propoxyphene (trade name Darvon). Heroin,
synthesized from morphine, is a potent analgesic, but its use is forbidden in
the U.S. Some of the newer synthetic compounds are 1000 to 10,000 times more
potent than morphine. In addition to their
painkilling properties, the narcotic analgesics cause a profound feeling of
well-being (euphoria). It is this feeling that is in part responsible for the
psychological drive of certain persons to obtain and self-administer these
drugs. When taken chronically in large doses, the narcotics have the capacity
to induce tolerance (whereby a larger and larger dose is required by the body
to achieve the same effect), and ultimately psychological and physical
dependence, or addiction. In this respect they are similar to the
barbiturates and to alcohol. These properties make the medical use of
narcotics extremely difficult and have led to strict regulation of the
prescription and dispensing of this class of drugs. Even so, they are widely
abused. The mode of action of the
narcotic analgesics is still not fully understood. Recent research has
determined that specific regions of the brain and spinal cord have an
affinity for binding opiates, and the binding sites in the brain are in the
same general areas where pain centers are believed to be. This research has
also succeeded in isolating compounds, called enkephalins, that are produced
in the body to reduce pain; the compounds consist of five amino acids.
Apparently they can depress neurons throughout the central nervous system.
They belong to a group of larger compounds called endorphins, consisting of
many amino acids, that have also been isolated in the body and that are
produced by the pituitary gland. Administration of endorphins, including the
enkephalins, results in effects similar to those produced by opiates. The discovery of a class of
compounds that are specific antagonists to the action of the opiates has made
it possible to treat opiate overdosage quickly and efficiently. The standard
drug for this use is naloxone. Some of the antagonists also have opiatelike
properties, and this has led to the introduction of a new class of
analgesics, the mixed agonists-antagonists. It is hoped that these drugs will
produce analgesia without euphoria, reducing their potential for abuse. The
three drugs of this class approved so far in the U.S.—pentazocine,
butorphanol, and nalbuphine—are as analgesic as morphine for many uses and
induce little or no euphoria. All appear to have a lower abuse potential than
morphine or propoxyphene. Heroin is a highly addictive drug derived
from morphine, which is obtained from the opium poppy. It is a
"downer" that affects the brain's pleasure systems and interferes
with the brain's ability to perceive pain. Heroin can be used in a variety of
ways, depending on user preference and the purity of the drug. Heroin can be:
Heroin is a fast-acting drug, especially when injected or smoked. The
euphoric effects of mainlining can be felt within 7 to 8 seconds while a
muscular injection brings about a similar feeling within 5 to 8 minutes. Think you have a problem with narcotics ? Need a recovery resource ?
Check out: Narcotics Anonymous
and Nar-Anon Family Groups,
for the families and friends of the addict. More information on Heroin Addiction can be found at: |
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