Narcotic Addiction

Narcotic addiction is both a physical and psychological compulsion to continue taking narcotics. The body builds up a tolerance for the narcotic, which requires a continual increase in the amount in order to get the initial affect. If the person cannot get increased doses in the same narcotic, a similar drug is needed to prevent withdrawal pains and symptoms. When narcotics are prescribed for pain relief, the drugs are called opioids. Codeine, oxycodeine and combinations of oxycodeine with other medications are strong opioids that are medically necessary, legal and are not addictive, if taken under direction of the doctor and used only for pain relief in the prescribed amounts. Drug addicts who are able to get a continual flow of the drug will not show much evidence of drug use and are able to conduct daily activities normally as long as they receive adequate amounts of the drug. There are many illegal drugs that are extremely addictive such as heroin, which is one of the most powerful and one difficult to control. As the addict continues to increase the dose, there is great danger in an overdose. Drug overdoses require immediate treatment as death can develop within a few hours if not treated.

There are many other affects of drugs that may include constipation, low blood pressure, drowsiness, and other affects which indicate a slower tempo of activity. Withdrawal symptoms usually create opposite affects indicated by hyperactivity, a faster heart rate, rapid breathing, a runny nose, tremors, cramps and diarrhea. Withdrawal systems begin quickly sometimes as soon as three or four hours after discontinuing the drug use. Many other complications can develop if needles to inject the drugs are used with others. There are many diseases that can spread with use of the same needles most notably is HIV and AIDS. The body's immune system becomes impaired from the intake of drugs intravenously which means the person has no defense against ordinary infections. A major problem with narcotic addicts is the complication of neurological problems, which are due to a shortage of oxygen supplied to the brain. This could cause coma. When quinine is a contaminant of heroin it can cause paralysis and double vision. There is also danger of meningitis from an infection of needles passed around with addicts. There are other complications that include blood clots and skin abscesses. Narcotic use during pregnancy is dangerous to the fetus. An infant born from an addicted mother can rapidly develop withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, severe crying and seizures.

Because the Federal Government closely regulates narcotics, doctors must closely follow the guidelines and are restricted on the kind of treatment that can be given to a narcotic addict. If an addict discontinues the use of drugs, the withdrawal pains can be severe and last for several weeks but eventually the withdrawal pains will subside and no treatment will be required. However, few people will go through the withdrawal without medication. The most effective treatment, which is sanctioned by the government and in many instances a part of the treatment, is the use of methadone to substitute for the drug. Methadone is a powerful drug itself. However, it does not produce euphoria, but it will relieve the withdrawal pains of the discontinued drug. Methadone is dispensed at clinics where the smallest amount that will relieve severe withdrawal pains to be taken each day is given to the addict. Methadone has two major problems. The narcotic addict usually becomes addicted to the methadone and it is almost as difficult to withdraw from as the discontinued drug. The other problem with methadone is that it does not create euphoria and if the addict gets enough of it, it may cause an overdose, as the addict is not aware of the overdose since it does nothing but relieve withdrawal pains from the discontinued drug. Some addicts are not able to withdraw from methadone and stay on it for many years. Although doctors are closely regulated on the treatment it may be helpful to have a doctor who can give counsel to the addict on the treatment and options. There are stronger drugs that can be taken that will have the same affect as methadone and may be more appropriate in some cases with advice from the doctor.

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