Narcotic Abuse

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Narcotics (nahr-KOT-ics) are a type of medicine that is used to decrease or take away severe (very bad) pain. Narcotics may also be called opioids (OH-pe-oids). Some common names of narcotics ordered by a doctor (prescription) are codeine and morphine. Heroin is an illegal narcotic (street drug) in the United States that is made from morphine. Continued, repeated use of narcotics can lead to serious legal, relationship and workplace problems. You may become dependent on narcotics. You may become tolerant to their effects. This means that you need more to feel the way that you would like to feel, or have less of an effect from the same amount. You may also have narcotic intoxication (in-tok-si-KAY-shun), or withdrawal. These conditions may lead to serious physical and mental problems, and may even kill you. If you or someone you know abuses narcotics, tell your caregiver, and get help.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

What are the risks of taking illegal (street) narcotics?

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and hepatitis B and C are serious diseases that may be spread through blood. Used needles, syringes and other "works" (supplies) to inject narcotics may cause one or more of these diseases.
  
  
• Street narcotics may be "cut" (mixed) with things like talcum powder, baking soda, or poisons. If there are lumps that do not melt when mixed with water, the lumps may get stuck in your veins and cause infections or clots. Clots can travel to your heart, lungs, or brain and may kill you.
  
  
• If you get "pure" (unmixed) heroin you may overdose, and die.
  
  
• If you "skin-pop" (inject just under skin), you may get an infection from used or dirty needles, or other works.
  
  
• Snorting or sniffing heroin may make a hole in the cartilage that separates the two sides of your nose.
  
  
• Black tar heroin may contain botulism (BOT-u-liz-um). This is a type of poison that can make you very sick, or even kill you.

What harm can narcotics do to a pregnant woman and her baby?

• If you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant, and are using narcotics tell your caregiver right away. Your doctor may suggest other medicines to control pain, and prevent withdrawal from the narcotic. If you go through withdrawal while pregnant, you may miscarry (lose) your baby. Women who take street narcotics or overdose when they are pregnant may miscarry the baby. They also risk having a stillborn baby (not born alive), or having a baby that is very small, and has other medical problems.
  
  
• Babies born to women that have used narcotics while pregnant may show signs of withdrawal. This includes unexpected weight loss, poor feeding, and more crying than what is expected or normal. Your baby may also have a high body temperature (fever), throw up, and have diarrhea. Learning problems and other issues with your child may also be seen as he grows. If you have a baby and are using narcotics (street drugs or prescribed) you may have trouble caring for your baby. Narcotics may be present in breast milk. Talk to your caregiver before breast feeding your baby if you are using narcotics.

How will I know if my child is taking narcotics?

You may see one or more of the following signs and symptoms if your child is using narcotics:

• Decreasing grades, or decreased attendance at school.
  
  
• You may have more trouble trying to manage (discipline) your child.
  
  
• Your child may begin to borrow money from parents, sisters and brothers, or friends. He may also begin to steal small items.
  
  
• Your child may begin to wear sunglasses a lot, even at night. He may wear long sleeved shirts even when it is hot.
  
  
• Your child may have sudden angry outbreaks.
  
  
• Your child may stop taking care of his hair and clothes. He may begin to look sloppy.
  
  
• Your child may suddenly get secretive about his activities. He may also want to keep you from going in his room, or through his things.
  
  
• Your child's attitude may change. He may change from being helpful and upbeat most of the time, to being angry and downbeat.
  
  
• Your child's friends may change. His new friends may be known as drug users.

What can you do if you want to stop abusing narcotics?

Caregivers with special training in addiction medicine or pain management may be able to help you stop taking narcotics. There are several ways to stop using narcotics. Most methods will help ease, or even avoid symptoms of withdrawal. Caregivers may give you a different drug to use that replaces your need for narcotics. There are many programs available to help you stop abusing narcotics. Contact the following organizations for more information:

• American Academy of Pain Management
  13947 Mono Way #A
  Sonora , CA 95370
  Phone: 1- 209 - 533-9744
  Web Address: www.aapainmanage.org
  

• American Pain Society
  4700 W. Lake Avenue
  Glenview , IL 60025
  Phone: 1- 847 - 375-4715
  Web Address: http://www.ampainsoc.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

You want help or information on how to stop using or abusing narcotics.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are very sleepy or you cannot be awakened.
  
  
• Your speech is slurred.
  
  
• You cannot pay attention to or remember what was said or done.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Narcotic Abuse (Discharge Care)