subject: The Risks Of Narcotic Abuse [print this page] Narcotic addiction is the compulsive use of narcotics that is inconsistent with the guidelines of the healthcare provider. It is a long-term brain disease that causes addiction to the drug despite its dangerous psychological and physical side-effects.
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Physicians prescribe medications to relieve pain and the most potent of these drugs are narcotics. Some individuals use this medicine without a doctor's prescription and this is when people are prone to abuse. Abuse of narcotics happens when people use narcotics to seek feelings of being "high" and not because of its pain-relieving effects.
An individual addicted to narcotics may experience a variety of physical changes. Common physical side-effects are weight loss, cough, progressive dental problems, chronic nosebleeds and sinus problems. Other physical signs include slowed or slurred speech, confusion and insomnia or other sleep problems.
Addiction from narcotics changes the typical mood and mental function of a person. The abuser may experience increased irritability and rage as well as the desire to argue and fight. Some addicts become apathetic, depressed, tired or unusually calm. Others are delusional and paranoid. A sign of serious narcotic abuse is the user's cessation of hobbies and regular activities. These are the signs to look out from narcotic abusers.
Narcotics addicts often experience emotional high because these medications release dopamine, a chemical in the brain, which controls pleasure. As time goes by the abuser builds up tolerance and needs to increase the dose to achieve the same euphoric effect. Failure to do this leads to painful physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. This makes it more difficult for the abuser to quit.
Narcoticaddiction doesn't only affect abusers. It also affects the family of the abusers, their friendship, society and jobs. The effect of narcotic abuse goes beyond what abusers can imagine. The sad truth is that they only identify these problems when they encounter legal issues or when the drug has taken hold of their lives.
Though narcotic addiction is a serious issue, this is still considered as a preventable illness. It's important to know the basic information regarding this substance. The cost of ignorance is expensive. You or your family might be at risk of narcotic addiction. Prevention is definitely better than cure.
If you are already addicted there is hope for you. Talk to your healthcare provider regarding the treatment programs that suits your needs. Do not let the opportunity pass. Do it before it is too late.
