Narcotics Chapter 11

Narcotics In our final view of drugs in depth, we now turn to narcotics, which is the most dangerous class of all we have previously seen Narcotics are painkillers, with the power to reduce feeling and sensitivity, yet increase feelings of euphoria For this chapter, we will focus on: Heroin Oxycodone

Heroin Heroin is chemically derived from the legal controlled substance morphine (which, as we discussed previously, is synthesized from opium) Heroin is both a psychologically and physically reinforcing drug As of 2000, there are roughly 900,000 hardcore heroin users in the U.S.

Heroin Heroin can be used in many ways, including: Orally Inhaled IV Smoked Anally or Vaginally as a suppository

Heroin Acute effects of using Heroin include: Euphoria Alternations in alertness and drowsiness Dry mouth Warm flushing of skin Slowed breathing Feelings of weakness

Heroin Chronic effects of heroin include: Lack of sexual desire (with possible impotence for men) Kidney disease Pulmonary complications Infections such as HIV, Hepatitis C if using a dirty needle Abscesses on skin

Heroin and HIV/AIDS “About a year or so ago in CA I snorted heroin from needle that was someone elses, I was already so high on crystal I can't tell if it pricked the inside of my nose or not either way, I was wondering what my chances are of contracting HIV from this encounter, if the person had it themselves.” ~ online inquiry Newly Reported AIDS Cases in US by Race (Males Only) for the year 2000-2001 White Black Hispanic Homosexual sex 75% 44% 51% Injecting Drugs 12 32 HS & ID 8 6 5 Heterosexual Sex 4 18 Medical 1 Total 9,201 8,819 4,542

Heroin Withdrawals When people addicted to heroin try to stop “cold turkey”, they can experience extreme withdrawal symptoms, including: Extreme craving for the drug Tremors Chills Cramps Diarrhea Restlessness Muscle and bone pain Vomiting Flu-like symptoms Depression Nausea Anxiety Increased heart rate Priapism The most severe heroin withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after stopping use and can last up until a week.

Oxycodone This medication is used to relieve pain, and often prescribed after major invasive surgeries Brand Names of this drug include: Oxycontin Oxyfast Percolone Roxicodone Roxicet (containing Acetaminophen and Oxycodone) Percocet (containing Acetaminophen and Oxycodone)

Oxycodone When used as a street drug, Oxycodone can be used: Orally Smoked Inhaled

Oxycodone The acute effects of using oxycodone is similar to that of heroin. The withdrawal effects are less severe