Opioid: The Use Of Narcotics In America

The use of narcotics in America is on a steady rise, Opioids such as Heroin being the deadliest. It’s categorized as a “Schedule 1,” meaning a high potential for abuse, along with severe psychological and physical dependence. Before the Twentieth Century, Heroin was actually widely available and marketed by Bayer, and Aspirin Company. This deadly substance can be injected, snorted, or smoked. After the consumption of this substance, it enters the brain very quickly. Health risks of this Opioid include: high risks of infections such as HIV/AIDS, collapsed veins (making treatment very difficult), infection in the heart lining and valves, liver disease, and can be fatal if the overdose is substantial enough. Psychological effects are: Confusion, drowsiness, blocked pain messages, slowed breathing, nausea, and itching. The long term effects of Heroin result in: Addiction, insomnia, and arthritis. Symptoms of a Heroin overdose or near overdose are as follows: Loss of consciousness, tremors, clammy skin, and convulsions.

A tolerance can be developed in as little as 2-3 days with continued use. When needing a fix, and unable to obtain their usual narcotic, some users may substitute one drug for another, also forming multiple addictions. When patients are given narcotics to treat legitimate medical issues and pain, there is less of a risk of addiction because the dosage is closely monitored. As long as the patient takes the substance as prescribed, no damage should occur. Only about 5-10% of people who use drugs become