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Narcotics and Addiction

What are narcotic analgesics?
Opiods, derived from opium, found either poppy flower seeds or in similar synthetic compounds, not only can block pain signals and reduce pain, they can also affect other neurotransmitters. Other forms of opiates are morphine, a chemical called an alkaloid found in the sap of the opium poppy, codeine, closely related to natural alkaloids, and heroin, synthetically modified morphine. Because of their potential for physical and psychological dependency and addiction, these types of drugs are classified as narcotic analgesics and as controlled substances.

Physical dependence and withdrawal?

After prolonged use of these drugs, and if the drug is stopped abruptly, physical dependence and withdrawal often occurs. Symptoms of flu, general malaise, abdominal cramps, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea are typical signs of physical dependence. As uncomfortable opiate withdrawal symptoms seem, they are rarely life threatening.

What is addiction?

Addiction means being powerless over a physical and psychological need (compulsive use, craving, or needing it to feel good) for a habit-forming substance, in this instance, narcotics.

There are two key aspects of addiction: the first is loss of control over addictive behavior. Despite wanting and trying to the needs and cravings, and regardless of efforts made physicians, family and friends, the addictive behavior persists and worsens. Afterwards, the second aspect, denial and dishonesty, begins. Addicts will say and do whatever it takes to satisfy their needs, in the case of narcotic medication, from lying about losing their prescription, to pretending they are in constant pain.

What causes addiction?
The brain has certain areas that control “pleasure” called the limbic system. When the pleasure center is activated by opiods, dopamine, a nature brain chemical associated “pleasure”, is released. People experience “good feelings”, which produces a sense of well-being and euphoria, thus reducing their sensitivity to pain. Therefore, the greater the quantity of dopamine, the more intense the feeling of "pleasure," making these drugs not only more desirable, but also more addictive.

Although life offers many so-called pleasures such as talking with friends, watching a movie, shopping, or playing sports, “pleasures” or “highs” that certain drugs can induce are far more intense. Compare the “pleasure” of wining a game to the “high” from certain drugs is like a “tickle” versus a “sledgehammer blow” to the brain. Sometimes it is compared to a sexual orgasm.

Even though most people with addiction experience physical dependence, addiction is different. A drug is stopped and the physical dependence quickly ends, yet the addict's brain never forgets the “pleasure” or the “high”, which is why relapse is so easy for ex- addicts, no matter how long they have been drug free.

By Dr. Yong H. Tsai
Published in The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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