August 21 2020

What are Narcotics?

admin Drug addiction drug addiction, drug overdose, Narcotics

What are narcotics? The term “narcotics” can apply to many different drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses. Narcotics are more commonly known as opioids. The term “narcotics” refers to a class of drugs that are all naturally derived from the opium poppy plant. Some narcotics are made directly from the plant, while others are made in a lab using the same chemical structure. Narcotics, also called opioids, can be prescribed by a doctor. They are often used as medicines to relieve pain and relax the body. In addition, narcotics can come in many different forms, including tablets, capsules, patches, powder, chunks, liquids, syrups, suppositories, and lollipops.

Narcotics are a controlled substance. They can make individuals feel very relaxed, because of this it is one of the main reasons people make and use them outside of legal and medical pain treatment. In addition, narcotics are highly addictive.Â

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These drugs can easily be abused, also this can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. However, there are successful options available to those who are struggling with narcotic addiction. Asking for help is the first important step. You are not alone, and there are multiple resources and options available. If you believe you are addicted to narcotics and are ready to take the first step, call 706-480-8733 today. We will be able to help you get treatment today.

Different Names for Narcotics

There are multiple types of drugs that fall under the classification of narcotics. Some are legal by prescription, others illicit. There are many different street names for narcotics, for example, smack, horse, junk, oxy, brown sugar, sipping syrup, and purple drank. Users take these drugs in a variety of ways including snorting, pills, and injection.

Prescription Narcotics

There is a large array of narcotic medications that doctors use to manage pain. For example, some common prescription narcotics include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone. Additionally, other prescription narcotics are codeine, hydromorphone, tramadol, and meperidine. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, also has pharmaceutical applications.

Illegal Narcotics

Heroin is an illegal and extremely addictive narcotic drug. It is a Schedule I substance, meaning it has no medical use in the United States. Fentanyl can also be illegally made and distributed. It often occurs as an additive in heroin or cocaine. Also, dealers sometimes do this without users knowing, which greatly increases their risk of death by overdose. Are you worried about someone might be abusing narcotics? Are you using narcotics? Then call us today. We will work with you to find the right treatment options available. Start your healthier lifestyle today.

Addiction to Narcotics

The only legal narcotics are those that doctors prescribe as a treatment for pain. The pain may be moderate or severe, but it must be unresponsive to other types of painkillers for the case to warrant narcotics. Moreover, doctors prescribe narcotics after surgery, injury, or to help with the side effects of cancer or cancer treatments. Fentanyl, in particular, is much stronger than other narcotic drugs and is used only to treat severe levels of pain. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, these drugs treat pain with a high degree of effectiveness.

However, anyone who takes a narcotic drug can develop an addiction to them. For example, one in four patients who are utilizing long-term opioid therapy struggles with opioid addiction. Thus, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take narcotic medication only as directed.

Â Narcotics Affecting the Brain

In addition, prescription narcotics and heroin affect the brain by binding to the opioid receptors throughout the body. These are found not only in the brain but also in the spinal cord and other organs. When a narcotic is taken multiple times the brain starts to adapt to the drug. Eventually, it becomes difficult for the user to experience any sense of pleasure without drug use. Do not hesitate to call us. If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of narcotics we can help. Let us help you get on a new path.

Side Effects of Narcotics

Prescription opioids can relieve pain. However, they can also have an array of side effects. Aside from the risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose these side effects can include:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Impaired judgment
Itching
Constipation
Nausea
Heightened tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms
Confusion
Slowed breathing

When an individual stops taking a narcotic after long-term or heavy use they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be unpleasant and sometimes even life-threatening. For example, withdrawal symptoms may include:

Agitation
Anxiety
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Sweating
Muscle aches

Overdosing on Narcotics

One of the narcotic overdose effects can be death. Anybody who takes a narcotic can be at risk of overdosing. However, overdose-related death is common and over seventy percent of drug-related deaths in 2018 involved an opioid. The risk of overdose is also higher if a user takes illegal narcotics, takes more medication than is prescribed, or combines a narcotic with other substances.

An overdose happens when a user has too much of a drug in their body. This can happen when an individual takes a large dose of an opioid. It can lead to the slowing or stopping of breathing and even death. Are you afraid of overdosing on narcotics? Are you afraid someone you know is going to overdose? Then call us today. We will work with you to get you the help that you need. Do not wait, and call before it is too late.

Overdose Effects

Some signs that an individual has overdosed on a narcotic include:

Unconsciousness
Small pupils
Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Vomiting
Being unable to speak
Weak heartbeat
Limp arms, legs, and body
Extremely pale or clammy skin
Purple or blue color of the lips or fingernails

Treating a Narcotic Overdose

Fortunately, a medication called Naloxone can neutralize the effects of narcotics almost instantly, stopping an overdose in its tracks. Depending on how seriously the user has overdosed, saving them may require more than one dose of Naloxone, but this medication can get the breathing of someone who has overdosed back to normal even if their breathing has stopped. There are three ways of administering Naloxone: as a nasal spray, as an injection, or as an auto-injection. The injectable form of this medication requires professional training to use and is mainly found in the kits of first responders and emergency room professionals. Administering either the auto-injectable or nasal spray forms of Naloxone, however, requires no special training.

Naloxone is a very safe medication and only has an effect on those that have a narcotic in their system. It can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, but these are not life-threatening and are certainly preferable to death by narcotic overdose. They can include headache, increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.

Those who have received naloxone will need constant monitoring until first responders arrive. They will also require monitoring by a medical professional for at least two hours after the last dose of naloxone. This is to be sure their breathing does not slow down or stop, as the effects of narcotics will sometimes return suddenly when the Naloxone wears off.

Do you want more information about the treatment options for narcotics? Then call us. We will help you get on a new path to sobriety. Let’s get you happier and healthier today.

I Think Someone Overdosed

If you think that someone is experiencing an opioid overdose call 911 right away.

Administer naloxone if possible.
Do your best to keep the individual awake and breathing.
Keep the person on their side to prevent them from choking on their own vomit, and stay with them until an ambulance arrives.

Call us today if you would like more information about getting educated about overdoses. In addition, call today if you are concerned about someone you love. We will help you help them. Call now, and save a life tomorrow.

A Loved One Is Abusing Narcotics

Besides the risk of overdose, the misuse of narcotics can lead you or a loved one to develop a powerful addiction. It can be worrying to see the kind of changes that occur in a loved one. Watching out for signs of narcotic abuse in a family member or friend can assist in early intervention. Addiction is treatable and overdose is preventable.

Some signs of narcotic abuse can include:

Mood swings
Going to multiple doctors for prescriptions
Asking family or friends for their medications
Taking more than the prescribed dosage
Increased isolation from family and friends
Finding drug paraphernalia

If you notice that a loved one may be struggling with narcotic addiction, then experts recommend suggesting that they reach out to a medical provider. If your loved one is not willing to seek help, then you can learn about drug addiction and find additional resources that may convince them to find help.

Are you worried about someone you love using narcotics? Call us today, and we can help get you the support and treatment you need to start a better life.

Am I Addicted to Narcotics?

Addiction can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, income level, or social class. Addiction to narcotics is dangerous and can lead to overdose. However, you are not alone and recovery is possible. If you are unable to stop using narcotics even though you want to, and the use of narcotics is starting to affect your daily life, you may be addicted. Some common signs of narcotic addiction can include:

Not being able to control narcotic use
Uncontrollable cravings for narcotics
Making mistakes at work or school due to drug use
Being afraid to run out of drugs
Overdosing on drugs
Isolation from friends or family

If you believe you have an addiction to narcotics, reaching out for help from a medical professional, family member, or friend is the first step toward recovery.

Treating Narcotic Addiction

It is extremely difficult to stop drug use on your own due to the changes narcotics make to the brain. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available to those who are struggling with narcotic addiction. You can undergo treatment in both outpatient and inpatient settings. These treatments often include a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Such treatment has proven effective at helping those with even the most severe addictions turn their life around and begin recovery.

The most common recovery plan for individuals with a narcotic addiction is called medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. This type of treatment utilizes medication, counseling, and support from loved ones. There are two main medications that recovery professionals use to treat narcotic addiction. These medications are methadone and buprenorphine. They are utilized to relieve withdrawal symptoms and help with drug cravings. Additionally, a medication called naltrexone can block opioid receptors throughout the body and prevent narcotics from having an effect on an individual.

Professionals also treat narcotic addiction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. This will help an individual change their behaviors and attitude towards drug use. It will also help them learn healthy life skills.

Your team of medical professionals will tailor a treatment plan for your individual needs. They will work together to create a plan that fits you and your addiction. Call us today and talk to our professionals on-site. They will work with you to find the right treatment plan for you and your needs.

Finding Help

Asking for help is the first important step to change your life. Never feel judged or embarrassed when talking to our specialists. We are here to help you get the treatment that you need. Above all, we want you to get healthier, and overall happier.

Written by: Kailee Oliver