Thousands of drugs, legal and illegal, can be used on any given day. It does not mean a person should act on that, but millions have become addicted to substances of some kind over the years and decades. Narcotics can be a particularly potent drug. Because of their addictive potential, they are advised only under a doctor’s prescription. Any other type of use can lead to addiction and life-threatening conditions.
Drug Use in America
Illegal drug use and addiction is taking over America’s children on up to adults. The potential for addiction is of concern depending how early a person starts using drugs. Narcotics, opioids and painkillers as they are also known, may bind themselves to pain receptors in the nervous system so that pain signals are blocked. This type of drug is prescribed to treat severe pain that does not respond other types of pain relievers. This can include:
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Tramadol
- Heroin
- Opium
When a person uses narcotics over a period of time, this greatly increases the risk of developing addiction. Narcotics can be addictive because they temporarily make the person feel good and they crave the feelings it provides. Sometimes the person’s body needs the drug to function. This can develop a physical dependence to the narcotic substance.
Complications
Narcotics may be dangerous because their potential for abuse and addiction can lead to overdose and death. Nonmedical use of prescription narcotics can lead people to become dependent on their use and overdose is not out of the realm of possibility. When used according to prescription, narcotics can be beneficial for people suffering from severe pain. If abused, drugs can become dangerous and maybe lethal. Abuse of any kind of drug can increase health risks and also people’s lives can be disrupted by the use. The idea is that people need to figure out how to take prescription medication responsibly and focus on healthy use of necessary medication but when it gets out of hand, seeking help may be necessary to kick addiction.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
