Dangers of Abusing Narcotics
Narcotics can include prescription drugs that are mainly used for the treatment of pain and when a person use it for the sole purpose of controlling pain, then it is highly unlikely that he will get addicted to the drugs. When the narcotics are used for things other than just pain relieving, prescription drug rehab may be necessary to get the user back on the right track. Narcotics are made from opium that is derived from poppy plants and it is a highly potent substance. Morphine and codeine are the natural products of opium but this drug is also available with synthetic modifications that include:
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Demerol
- Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet
- Dilaudid
- Duragesic
- Percocet, Percodan and OxyContin
Abuse of narcotics is dangerous and it can lead to an addiction problem that can destroy all semblance of a normal life for an individual. When a person starts taking narcotics beyond a doctor’s prescription just to get high or relieve anxiety, the body develops high tolerance towards the drug. This means that the patient now needs to take higher doses of the drug to get the same high as before. Moreover, if now the patient tries to stop taking the drug abruptly, the body suffers from withdrawal symptoms that are painful both mentally and physically. Abuse of narcotics can cause compulsive behavior towards the drug; cravings as well as continued use can also lead to legal problems or losing a job.
How to tell if a loved one is suffering from Narcotic Abuse
There are tell tale signs of narcotic abuse and if you have a loved one that you suspect is going down the destructive path, then looking out for these signs may help you get to the bottom of the problem. These signs include:
- Constricted pupils and confusion
- Slurred speech as well as slow or poor judgement
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushed skin followed by itching’
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Sedation and feeling of analgesia
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety or feeling of irritability
Rehab Options for Narcotic Addicts
The best and possibly the only way to get over narcotic addiction are to get help in the form of a prescription drug rehab program for narcotic addictions. These programs are specifically designed for addicted patients and they include both inpatients as well as outpatient treatment options. An expert counselor can suggest the best suited program for an addict after assessing his condition.