Konark Packers pharmacy researcher |

The term “narcotic,” derived from the Greek word for stupor, originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Today, the term is used in a number of ways. Some individuals define narcotics as those substances that bind at opiate receptors (cellular membrane subunits proteins activated by substances like heroin or morphine) while others refer to any illicit substance as a narcotic. In a legal context, narcotic refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. Cocaine and coca leaves, which are also classified as “narcotics” in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), neither bind opiate receptors nor produce morphine-like effects, and are discussed in the section on stimulants. For the purposes of this discussion, the term narcotic refers to drugs that produce morphine-like effects.

Narcotics are used therapeutically to treat pain, suppress cough, alleviate diarrhea, and induce anesthesia. Narcotics are administered in a variety of ways. Some are taken orally, transdermally (skin patches), or injected. They are also available in suppositories. As drugs of abuse, they are often smoked, sniffed, or injected. Drug effects depend heavily on the dose, route of administration, and previous exposure to the drug. Aside from their medical use, narcotics produce a general sense of well-being by reducing tension, anxiety, and aggression. These effects are helpful in a therapeutic setting but con tribute to their abuse.

Narcotic use is associated with a variety of unwanted effects including drowsiness, inability to concentrate, apathy, lessened physical activity, constriction of the pupils, dilation of the subcutaneous blood vessels causing flushing of the face and neck, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and most significantly, respiratory depression. As the dose is increased, the subjective, analgesic (pain relief), and toxic effect become more pronounced. Except in cases of acute intoxication, there is no loss of motor coordination or slurred speech as occurs with many depressants

DEA has launched an enforcement and national awareness campaign focused on Ecstasy and other synthetic drugs. “Operation X-Out” targets the increasingly popular drug Ecstasy along with drugs that have become known as “predatory drugs” because they have been used to facilitate sexual assault. DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson believes that Operation X-Out is important because “the use of Ecstasy and predatory drugs among our youth is fast reaching epidemic levels. Unscrupulous dealers and promoters are marketing Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine and other lesser known drugs to individuals who, all too often, do not truly understand their potentially devastating effects,” Hutchinson said. “Not only is the DEA targeting these traffickers, we’re also reaching out to communities in an unprecedented way to get them involved. Learn more here if you want to buy ald-52.
“What are Predatory Drugs?
“Predatory Drugs” is a term used to identify drugs that can be used to facilitate sexual assault. In the late 1990s, law enforcement noticed a new, disturbing trend of rape cases that involved the drugging of victims with chemicals such as rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine.
What are Club Drugs?
“Club Drugs” has become a widely used term for a number of illicit drugs that are most commonly encountered at nightclubs and all-night parties called “raves.” The three primary club drugs are Ecstasy, Ketamine, and GHB. Many other drugs are generally available in the club and rave circuit, however these three drugs are more closely associated with clubs because that is where they are most frequently used.