Abuse Of Narcotics

Brandon Riesenmy M.D.,

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Narcotics are a class of drugs related to opium and heroin that are typically used to treat pain. This class of drugs can be highly addicting and can produce a very uncomfortable withdrawal syndrome. Usually these drugs are prescribed short term for pain; however, some individuals with chronic pain require long-term treatment.

Various narcotics include morphine, hydrocodone, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone. Brand names for some of these drugs include Norco, Demerol, Oxycontin, Vicoden, Percocet, and Darvon. These compounds interact with opiate receptors in the body. Some also contain Tylenol which can cause liver damage with excess use and abuse.

Symptoms of intoxication with narcotics include euphoria, decreased respiratory rate, decreased bowel motility and constipation, drowsiness, and constricted pupils. At high doses, paranoia and hallucinations can occur. Routine use of these drugs causes changes in the way nerve cells and opiate receptors work and makes them dependent upon narcotics to function .

Withdrawal from opiates can cause very unpleasant symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, muscle cramps, body aches, profuse sweating, depression, shaking, headache, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion and insomnia.

Treatment of narcotics addiction can be difficult due to the highly addictive nature of the drugs. Buprenorphine and naloxone are medications that can block the effects of narcotics at the opiate receptor. This essentially prevents the user from getting a “high” off of the narcotic. Methadone is a controversial treatment of addiction to narcotics and is a long acting medication which has less of a high associated with it. The theory behind using methadone is that it is easier to ween the user off of it because of less withdrawal symptoms. Some view this treatment as substituting one addiction for another. A newer treatment called The Waismann Method involves a rapid detox where the user is sedated and the narcotics rapidly removed from the system. This essentially allows the user to sleep through the withdrawal period

Those interested in treatment for narcotics addiction should seek help through a qualified mental health specialist. Narcotics Anonymous is a national organization that can provide support in maintaining sobriety and there are active Narcotics Anonymous groups in the four state area. The web site for Narcotics Anonymous is www.na.org. END

Brandon Riesenmy M.D.,

Board Certified Psychiatrist

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