Narcotics have a respectable role in mainstream medicine. They play a role in pain relief and may be used to supplement anesthetic before or during surgery. Because of their potency and addictive potential they can typically be obtained only with a doctor or dentist's prescription.

The DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) recognizes two distinct paths to narcotic addiction. The smaller group typically has the drug prescribed for some bona fide medical condition. They develop a tolerance for the drug and begin to use illegal methods to satisfy their growing need for it. The second and much larger group develops tolerance leading to dependency after recreational experimentation.

The effects of narcotics on the mind and body depend on the way it is administered, the dosage and previous exposure to the substance. The most common forms of administration among recreational users are snorting, smoking, skin popping or injecting.

Narcotics like heroin act on the central nervous system producing a heady euphoria. Repeated usage reduces the effect and causes the transition to increased frequency and size of dosage causing both physical and psychological addiction.

Addiction causes a high risk of infection and disease as well as multiple psychological and mental problems. There is also a high risk of overdose as users seek to induce the intense highs experienced in the initial stages.

Treatment must be multifaceted in order to be successful. Pharmaceutical substances are used to ease physical withdrawal symptoms during the initial cold turkey period while the profound psychological effects require extensive cognitive and behavioral therapy.
 

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