Narcotic Abuse Symptoms

Narcotics users can develop tolerance, as well as psychological and physical

dependence to opioids when they take them over an extended period of time.
Tolerance refers to a decreased response to a drug, with increasing doses
required to achieve comparable effects. Psychological dependence refers to
compulsive drug use in which a person uses the drug for personal satisfaction,
often in spite of knowing the health risks.
Physical dependence occurs when a person stops using the narcotic but
experiences a withdrawal syndrome (or set of symptoms).
Signs and symptoms of narcotic abuse
 analgesia (feeling no pain),  nausea, vomiting,
 sedation,  itching skin, flushed skin,
 euphoria,  constipation,
 respiratory depression (shallo  slurred speech,
w breathing),  confusion, poor judgment, and
 small pupils, bloodshot eyes,  needle marks on the skin.
Some of the signs and symptoms of narcotic withdrawal are listed below:
 Anxiety  Muscle aches
 Irritability  Nausea or vomiting
 Craving for the drug  Abdominal cramping
 Increased respiratory rate  Diarrhea
(rapid breathing)  Sweating
 Yawning  Confusion
 Runny nose  Enlarged pupils
 Salivation  Tremors
 Gooseflesh  Lack of appetite
 Nasal stuffiness
Complications of narcotic abuse: Many complications can result from narcotic
abuse, the most common being infectious conditions.
 Infections of the skin and  Seizures
deeper layers  Coma and other neurological
 Abscesses in skin, lungs, and complications
brain  Infectious arthritis
 Infection of the heart valves  Loss of menstrual cycle
 Pneumonia  Overdose and death
 Fluid in the lungs  Premature and growth-
 Liver dysfunction retarded infants
 Intestinal slowdown
  Neonatal withdrawal: Up to withdrawal, a potentially fatal
70% of babies delivered from condition.
pregnant women who use  Memory problems
narcotics experience neonatal
An overdose of narcotics can cause sleepiness, slowed breathing, and
even unconsciousness. Uppers (stimulants) produce excitement, increased heart
rate, and rapid breathing. Downers (depressants) do just the opposite.
Mind-altering drugs are called hallucinogens. They include LSD, PCP (angel
dust), and other street drugs. Using such drugs may cause paranoia,
hallucinations, aggressive behavior, or extreme social withdrawal.
Cannabis-containing drugs such as marijuana may cause relaxation, impaired
motor skills, and increased appetite.
Legal prescription drugs are sometimes taken in higher than recommended
amounts to achieve a feeling other than the therapeutic effects for which they
were intended. This may lead to serious side effects.The use of any of the above
mentioned drugs may result in impaired judgment and decision-making skills.
Symptoms
Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug used, but
may include:
 Abnormal pupil size  Unconsciousness (coma)
 Agitation  Violent or aggressive behavior
 Convulsions  Drug withdrawal symptoms
 Death also vary widely depending on
 Delusional or paranoid the specific drug used, but
behavior may include:
 Difficulty breathing  Abdominal cramping
 Drowsiness  Agitation
 Hallucinations  Cold sweat
 Nausea and vomiting  Convulsions
 Nonreactive pupils (pupils that  Delusions
do not change size when  Depression
exposed to light)  Diarrhea
 Staggering or unsteady gait  Hallucinations
(ataxia)  Nausea and vomiting
 Sweating or extremely dry,  Restlessness
hot skin  Shaking
 Tremors  Death