Effects of Use
Narcotics cover a wide variety of drugs which are derived from opium, which originates from the opium poppy plant. The spectrum of narcotics ranges from prescription drugs such as oxycodone, codeine, and vicodin to more hardcore substances such as heroin. Cocaine is sometimes thrown into this group, however, it is not a true narcotic but is sometimes classified as one by the government. The effects of the drugs depend largely on the dose, method of consumption,
and previous exposure to the drug. Effects of the drug(s) include: slowed
physical activity, pupil constriction, flushing of the face/neck, constipation,
nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing, among others. Except in cases of
extreme intoxication, there is no major loss of motor coordination or slurred
speech. . Physical
dependence of narcotics is often a result of chronic use. Physical symptoms
related to withdrawal depend on the particular drug used, daily dosage, time
interval between doses, duration of use and the overall health of the
individual. Some early withdrawal symptoms from narcotic use include: runny
nose, watery eyes, sweating. As withdrawal worsens some symptoms include:
restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, severe
depression, increase in blood pressure & heart rate, and chills. The withdrawal will usually run its course,
and most physical symptoms diminish within days or weeks. Overdose of narcotics
are not uncommon and often times result in death. Physical signs of overdose
include: pinpoint-sized pupils, cold clammy skin, convulsions, confusion,
extreme drowsiness and slowed breathing.
An individual who is not tolerant of a specific dosage can die within minutes after injecting pure heroin. Infections from unsterile solutions, syringes and needles result in many diseases, including HIV virus. Withdrawal symptoms can be very, very severe when an individual addicted to heroin stops taking the drug. Withdrawal usually begins 4-6 hours after the individual’s last injection. Full blown symptoms, which include shaking, sweating, vomiting, muscle aches, chills, abdominal pains, and diarrhea, among others, begin 12-16 hours after last injection. The intensity of any of these symptoms depends largely on the degree of dependence which the user has developed.
There are also several long-term effects of heroin and narcotic use. These include: collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining & valves, abscesses, and liver disease to name a few. Pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia, may result from the poor health conditions of the user. Additives contained in heroin sometimes do not fully dissolve and can clog blood vessels which lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. This can lead to infection or even death of cells in major vital organs.
Narcotics/opioids not only affect the body but the mind as well. They produce a general sense of well-being in the user and reduce tension, anxiety, and aggression. These positive effects are the reason for abuse of the drug(s). Narcotic use may also have more negative and unwanted effects such as drowsiness, inability to concentrate, and apathy. There is often a strong psychological dependence as a result of frequent use. This, in turn, results in drug craving by the user. Relapse is very common.
There are also several long-term effects of heroin and narcotic use. These include: collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining & valves, abscesses, and liver disease to name a few. Pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia, may result from the poor health conditions of the user. Additives contained in heroin sometimes do not fully dissolve and can clog blood vessels which lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. This can lead to infection or even death of cells in major vital organs.
Narcotics/opioids not only affect the body but the mind as well. They produce a general sense of well-being in the user and reduce tension, anxiety, and aggression. These positive effects are the reason for abuse of the drug(s). Narcotic use may also have more negative and unwanted effects such as drowsiness, inability to concentrate, and apathy. There is often a strong psychological dependence as a result of frequent use. This, in turn, results in drug craving by the user. Relapse is very common.