Narcotic Addiction

Medically speaking a narcotic is any drug that produces sleep or stupor and relieves pain due to its depressant effect on the central nervous system. According to this definition, narcotics are drugs like opium, opium derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine) and synthetic opiates (methadone, demerol, oxycodone). The biochemical effects of a narcotic drug are what makes them addictive. Narcotics bind to painkilling sites throughout the brain, known as opioid-U receptors which are part of the pleasure pathway in the brain.

Immediate effects of narcotics include cessation of pain, drowsiness, and a feeling of serenity naturally associated with the reduction of pain. After long-term use of narcotics, the brain may stop producing endorphins, which are the brain's natural painkilling chemicals, and subsequently the person develops tolerance. The user must replace the missing endorphins with narcotics in order to feel good and to avoid the painful effects of narcotic withdrawal. The user becomes dependent on increasing amounts of the drug to feel good. Abuse usually leads to dependence.

If you or a loved one needs help with narcotic addiction, please call us at 1-866-311-0003.