The Risks Of Narcotic Addiction
Narcotic addiction is the compulsive use of narcotics which is inconsistent with the guidelines of the healthcare provider. It is a long-term brain disease that causes addiction to the drug despite its harmful psychological and physical side effects.
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Doctors prescribe medicines to reduce pain and the most potent of these medicines are narcotics. Some individuals use this medicine without a doctor's prescription and this is when people are at risk of addiction. Narcotic abuse 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 sinusitis. Other physical signs include slowed or slurred speech, disorientation and insomnia or other sleep problems.
Addiction from narcotics changes the typical mood and mental function of an individual. The abuser may experience increased irritability and rage as well as the desire to argue and fight. Some abusers become apathetic, depressed, tired or unusually calm. Others are paranoid and delusional. A sign of serious narcotic addiction is the user's cessation of hobbies and regular activities. These are the symptoms to look out from narcotic abusers.
Narcotics addicts often experience emotional high because these drugs release dopamine, a chemical in the brain, which controls pleasure. As time goes by the addict builds up tolerance and needs to increase the dose to achieve the same euphoric effect. Failure to do this results in painful physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. This makes it harder for the abuser to stop.
Addiction to narcotics doesn't only affect abusers. It also affects the family of the abusers, their friendship, jobs and society. 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 abuse is a serious problem, this is still considered as a preventable illness. It is important to know the basic information regarding this substance. The price of ignorance is expensive. You or your family might be at risk of narcotic abuse. Prevention is always better than cure.
If you are already addicted there is hope for you. Speak to your healthcare provider regarding the treatment programs which suits your needs. Do not let the opportunity pass. Do it before it's too late.
About the Author
Ericka Lopez writes about topics related to addiction to narcotics, to read more about her works visit addiction to narcotics
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