Site Location: Home > Drug and Alcohol Information > Addictive Drugs > Street Drugs > Street Narcotics

Drug and Alcohol Information

- Street Narcotics -

Narcotics

Narcotics are opiates used to obtain a rush of pleasure, euphoria, and freedom from pain. They produce significant degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, causing abusers to spend increasing time and energy obtaining and using them.

Types

Street narcotics include heroin and opium. Other narcotics that can be obtained legally and then abused are codeine, Demerol, methadone, morphine, and Darvon, to name a few. All types of narcotics have been associated with severe withdrawal symptoms for abusers.

Methods of Use

Street versions are generally injected or swallowed.

Effects on the Central Nervous System

Narcotics cross the blood-brain barrier and quickly bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing a euphoric rush of pleasure. This rush is often accompanied by dry mouth, heaviness in the arms and legs, and flushed skin. The activation of opioid receptors has many effects in the brain and body. Changes in the brain stem may depress vital body functions such as breathing and circulation. Changes in the limbic system may induce powerful emotional responses.

Intoxication

Side effects can include:

Mood swings
Psychosis
Muscle twitching
Irregular heartbeat
Breathing problems
Menstrual irregularity
Reduced sex drive

Life Risks

Many risks are associated with street narcotic abuse, including drug impurities and contaminated needles. Heroin overdose is particularly dangerous. An estimated 1% of heroin abusers die each year by overdose. Other life risks include:

Collapsed veins and hardened arteries
Infected injection sites
Risk of HIV and hepatitis
Neglected or destroyed relationships
Depression of the respiratory system due to long-term use
Legal problems that result from using an illegal drug for a long time
Social consequences that include problems about work, housing, and money
Loss of confidence and skills needed to deal with life challenges
Disturbed eating and sleeping patterns

Withdrawal

Withdrawal effects can be severe and may require medical treatment, especially in the case of unsupervised, sudden withdrawal from narcotics. Symptoms can resemble a flu-like illness and can range from sweating, muscle twitching, abdominal pain, and restlessness to fever, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Symptoms can last for weeks.

Warning Signs

A person who is addicted to street narcotics may:

Change the circle of friends and withdraw from non-using family and friends
Borrow or steal money to buy drugs
Compulsively seek the drugs and dwell on the next use
Experience personality changes, poor judgment, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Become evasive or lie about activities or whereabouts

Back to Street Drugs

eGetgoing addiction treatment and drug rehab program

Online Treatment
How Online Treatment Works Drug and Alcohol Information Frequently Asked Questions Adolescent Treatment Website
eGetgoing, Inc.
About Us Information For Substance Abuse Professionals Current News Resources

Addiction Information Chemical Dependency Is Chemical Dependency Treatable? The Risk of Addiction Disease Model Disease Progression Common Defenses Types of Dependency Enabling Addictive Drugs Glossary