Narcotics & Hallucinogens

Narcotics, Opiates, and Opioids

  • Narcotics: Drugs that increase relaxation while relieving pain and anxiety.

    • Primary narcotics: Morphine (medically used) and Heroin (illegal in the U.S.).

    • Heroin creates a rush of positive feelings followed by a sense of well-being lasting 3-5 hours.

  • Dependence on Heroin:

    • Users experience extreme anxiety and an overwhelming desire to repeat the use after the drug's effects wear off.

    • Life becomes centered around obtaining and using heroin, leading to biological and psychological dependence.

Classifications of Drugs

  • Opiates: Natural narcotics derived from opium poppy; includes morphine and codeine.

  • Opioids: Synthetic narcotics developed in labs; includes Vicodin, Percocet, Fentanyl, and OxyContin.

    • Commonly prescribed for pain relief.

    • Terms "opiates" and "opioids" are often used interchangeably, especially in discussions about the opioid crisis.

Opioid Crisis Statistics

  • Epidemic Levels: In 2021, over 107,000 overdose deaths were reported, marking a nearly 15% increase from 2020.

  • Demographic Disparities:

    • Rates of overdose deaths have increased, particularly among the Black population by 38% from 2018 to 2019.

  • Reasons for Increased Use:

    • Decline in drug costs and increased supply of potent opioids have contributed to widespread usage.

    • The COVID-19 pandemic heightened stress, leading to a rise in addiction to various substances.

Treatment Approaches for Addiction

  • Medications:

    • Methadone: Synthetic substitute that alleviates biological cravings without inducing a high.

    • Suboxone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and comes in dissolvable forms.

    • Vivitrol: Monthly injection that prevents withdrawal symptoms and eliminates the euphoric effects of heroin.

  • Challenges:

    • While these medications help users manage addiction, they can create new dependencies on these alternative drugs.

    • Research is ongoing to find non-addictive substitutes and experimental treatments.

Hallucinogens and Marijuana

  • Hallucinogens: Alter perceptions and can produce hallucinations.

  • Marijuana:

    • Primary active ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

    • Consumed smoked, cooked, or eaten; around 30% of high school seniors reported usage.

  • Effects:

    • Euphoria, enhanced sensory perception, impaired memory, and altered sense of self.

  • Safety Considerations:

    • Mixed evidence on addiction potential and negative cognitive impacts.

    • Heavy use can affect testosterone production, immune response, and lung health.

  • Legal Status:

    • While legal for medicinal use in many states, marijuana remains illegal federally in the U.S.

  • Medicinal Benefits: Potentially aids in relieving symptoms from spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, among others. Many states have legalized its general use.