DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Narcotics

Narcotics, also known as opioids, are a category of drugs that originally referred to substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Today, the term specifically refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes.

What are Narcotics?

A more current and precise term for these substances is “opioid”. This group includes:

• Illicit drugs: Heroin.
• Pharmaceutical drugs: OxyContin®, Vicodin®, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.

Origin and Availability

• Natural Opioids: Derived from the poppy Papaver somniferum.
• Synthetic Opioids: Entirely man-made in a laboratory; examples include meperidine, fentanyl, and methadone.
• Semi-synthetic Opioids: Synthesized from natural opium products like morphine and codeine; examples include heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.
• Access: Adolescents may obtain these through friends, family, medicine cabinets, pharmacies, or various medical facilities.

Appearance and Methods of Abuse

• Appearance: Narcotics come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, skin patches, powder, chunks (ranging from white to black), liquids, syrups, suppositories, and lollipops.
• Abuse Methods: These substances can be swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or injected.
• Street Names: Common names include Smack, Horse, Mud, Junk, Big H, Hillbilly Heroin, and Lean.

Effects of Use

Effect on the Mind

Beyond medical applications, opioids create a sense of well-being by reducing tension, anxiety, and aggression. However, they also cause:

• Drowsiness, apathy, and an inability to concentrate.
• Psychological Dependence: Users may remain mentally preoccupied with the drug long after physical needs have passed.

Effect on the Body

Opioids are medically prescribed to treat pain, suppress coughs, and treat diarrhea. Side effects include:

• Slowed physical activity and breathing.
• Constricted pupils and flushing of the face and neck.
• Constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Dependence and Withdrawal

Chronic use leads to physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms often begin shortly before the next expected dose and include:

• Early symptoms: Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, and sweating.
• Advanced symptoms: Restlessness, irritability, tremors, severe depression, increased heart rate, and chills.

Overdose and Legal Status

• Overdose: Signs include pinpoint pupils, cold, clammy skin, confusion, convulsions, and extreme drowsiness. Overdoses can be fatal due to slowed breathing.
• Legal Status: They are controlled substances ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V. Schedule I drugs, like heroin, have no accepted medical use and are illegal.