Question

Need to write term paper on this topic; Narcotics - Opioids. I will need help to write a better paper and give clear view of my point. Thanks

Narcotics - Opioids

Answer 1

Opiate use is less widespread than depressant or stimulant use but is still a serious local problem.Although some people use opiates for years with few problems,people with opiate addiction often deteriorate mentally and physically until they are unable to function productively.The opiates include opium ,heroin,meperedine,morphine,cocaine,codeine and methadone.Methadone is used to treat addiction to other opiates.One characteristic of narcotic addiction is the development of tolerance,which also increases the expense of the habit.Illegal behaviour such as stealing or prostitution to acquire money for drugs ,may result from addiction.Obtaining and using drugs become an all-consuming position.

The most important psychological response to opiate use is euphoria or feeling high.This powerful pleasurable response cause the person to use the drug repeatedly,leading to addiction.Other psychological effects of narcotics include apathy ,detachment from reality and impaired judgement.The phrase "nodding out" describes this group of behaviours combined with drowsiness.

Withdrawl from narcotics is extremely uncomfortable but is not usually life threatening.In contrast ,an overdosage of narcotics is very dangerous and can rapidly lead to coma,respiratory depression and death.Accidental overdoses among people with narcotic addictions sometimes occur,particularly because the users are uncertain of the drugs strength.Drugs are usually cut with inert substances before they are sold,resulting in the availability of varied strengths on the streets.

Natural substances that act like morphine in the brain known as endorphins and enkephalins.These neurotransmitters bond with opiate receptors in the brain and pituitary gland.Release of these natural opiates results in a feeling of euphoria.

This understanding has lead to a theory of drug cravings.When artificial opiates are taken over a long period ,the brain responds off by cuttting production of endorphins in attempt to restore homeostasis.As the artificial opiates leave the system ,there are no natural opiates to take their place.This deprivation is experienced as craving