1. Narcotics
Chapter 11

2. 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

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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

7. 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
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

8. 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.

9. 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)

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

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