The Risks Of Narcotic Abuse
Narcotic addiction is the compulsive use of narcotics that is inconsistent with the guidelines of the healthcare provider. It’s a long term brain disease that causes addiction to the drug despite its harmful mental and physical side effects.
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical treatment. Physicians prescribe drugs to reduce pain and the most potent of these drugs are narcotics. Some people use this medication without a doctor’s prescription and this is when people are at risk of addiction. Addiction from narcotics occurs when people use narcotics to seek feelings of being “high” and not because of its pain-relieving effects.
A person addicted to narcotics may go through a variety of physical changes. Common physical side effects are weight loss, cough, progressive dental problems, chronic nosebleeds and sinus problems. Other physical signs include slurred speech, disorientation and insomnia or other sleep problems.
Narcotic addiction 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 addicts 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 addicts.
Narcotics addicts often experience emotional high because these medications release dopamine, a chemical in the brain, which controls pleasure. As time goes by the addict builds up tolerance and needs to increase the dosage to achieve the same euphoric effect. Failure to do this results in painful physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. This makes it more difficult for the abuser to quit.
Addiction from narcotics does not only affect abusers. It also affects the family of the abusers, their friendship, jobs and society. The effect of narcotic addiction goes beyond what abusers can imagine. The sad truth is that they only recognize these problems when they encounter legal issues or when the drug has taken hold of their lives.
Though narcotic abuse is a serious issue, this is still considered as a preventable illness. It is essential to know the basic information regarding this substance. The price of ignorance is expensive. You or your family might be at risk of narcotic addiction. Prevention is definitely better than cure.
If you’re already addicted there is hope for you. Speak to your physician regarding the treatment programs that suits your needs. Don’t let the opportunity pass. Do it before it is too late.