subject: Narcotic Drug Tolerance, Abuse And Dependence [print this page] The aim of the therapeutic use of narcotics is to control acute or chronic pain caused by diseases or pain after a surgical procedures. Patients are prescribed a right dose of narcotics to relieve pain but not too high to cause addiction.
Patients suffering with pain shouldn't fear to take prescribed narcotics. It's impossible to develop narcotic dependence or addiction when the intake of this medicine is regulated by a medical professional. It's good for these patients to understand the difference between tolerance, dependence and abuse to narcotics.
Narcotic tolerance
Narcotic tolerance happens when the user takes the drug but the desired effect is not achieved unless the dose is increased. This happens when the drug is used over a period of time. When the patient develops tolerance, abuse to the medication develops.
Narcotic Abuse
Individuals are considered to be abusing opioids when they're unable to do their daily activities and responsibilities. Abusers are displaying maladaptive behaviours which greatly affect their relationships at home, at work and in school. They neglect their occupational, social, and recreational activities. They are often involved in fights that may bring them interpersonal or legal problems.
Signs of Narcotic Abuse
People with narcotic abuse manifest a feeling of being "high" or euphoria. This is the effect of the medication that the abusers crave. Other narcotic abuse signs are bloodshot eyes, pin point pupils, itching and flushed skins, nausea and vomiting, constipation, sedation, slurred speech, disorientation and poor judgment.
Narcotic Dependence
Narcotic dependence occurs when a person compulsively uses the medication despite the knowledge of the health risks. This happens when abusers takes in large amounts of narcotics for a long period of time. If the drug is stopped when the patient is in the stage of dependence, withdrawals from an addiction from narcotics occurs.
Withdrawal signs or symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are really painful but are not life-threatening. It occurs hours or days after the medication is stopped. Symptoms manifested are opposite to narcotics addicted effects. Common symptoms are irritability, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, runny nose, abdominal cramps, increase drug craving, diarrhea and sweating.
Narcotics are useful if used under the guidelines of a medical practitioner. It's of high importance that you consult your doctor frequently if you're taking prescribed narcotics. Understanding the warning signs of tolerance, dependence and addiction is helpful to avoid these problems while on a narcotic therapy.
