Narcotics

Addiction, Heroin, Vicodin, Percocet, Codeine, Morphine, Oxytocin

1nar·cot·ic

 noun \när-?kä-tik\

 

1 a: a drug (as opium or morphine) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions

 

b: a drug (as marijuana or LSD) subject to restriction similar to that of addictive narcotics whether physiologically addictive and narcotic or not

 

2 : something that soothes, relieves, or lulls

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/narcotic

Websites

Drug Factuals - What Are Narcotics?

Everyday Health - example - morphine

Morphine 
One of the most effective prescription drugs for pain relief, morphine suppresses pain and decreases the emotional response to pain. Morphine can be injected under the skin, into muscles, or into veins and is also given orally. This drug may increase or decrease physical activity but typically impairs concentration and vision. It also serves as a cough suppressant. Addiction and tolerance to this dangerous drug quickly develops and a higher dose is needed to produce the same effects.
Topic: Morphine   Language: English    Lexile: 830      http://www.pamf.org

Drug Addiction
Whether it is a prescription or illegal drug, addiction occurs when a person can't control their drug use or uses the drug even though they know it is hurting them. Casual drug use often leads to intense cravings and serious consequences. Addiction can compromise relationships, health, work, and even get someone in trouble with the law. Explore behavioral symptoms of addiction. Investigate signs that someone is using marihuana, barbiturates, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, or club drugs. Learn about risk factors, treatment programs, and detoxification.
Topic: Drug addiction   Language: English    Lexile: 1160       http://www.mayoclinic.com

Pain Medications 
Some teens with cancer may be afraid to take pain medications or narcotics because they are fearful of an addiction to such drugs as morphine or codeine. Taken as prescribed for a short period of time, such medications are useful in relieving unnecessary pain during treatment. Since tolerance develops, it may be necessary to taper off the use of such drugs when they are no longer needed. Examine common side effects from pain meds and learn how they are administered. This site also provides information on EMLA, a local anesthetic.
Topic: Morphine   Language: English    Lexile: 950       http://www.teenslivingwithcancer.org