Narcotics

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate February 2001

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Narcotics: Narcotics decrease the sensitivity to the sensory stimuli because it has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, meperidine, and methadone are types of narcotics. Natural and synthetic opiates are considered medically valuable because they are effective pain relievers.

A reduction of physical activity and drowsiness are the effects of opiates. Once consuming opiate you might feel such uncomfortable feelings as nausea, vomiting and itching. Too much use of opiate leads to dependency, both physical and psychological. Sedatives: Sedatives have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and is used to treat epilepsy, high blood pressure, mental disorders and insomnia. Overdoses can easily come by and fatal withdrawal can also follow. Emotions become unpredictable, slurred speech becomes apparent. Sedatives are another example of fatal withdrawal and dependency.

Withdrawal can cause a convulsion because it was related with it. Alcohol: Ethyl alcohol is the most widely used drug and is labeled as a depressant of the central nervous system. The reason why it is so known and its effects are also well known is because drinking alcohol is socially acceptable.

Such effects are mild euphoria and a decrease of inhibitions. Alcohol can also cause a depressed feeling, decreased activity and/or sleep. The control centers in the brain become depressed and drunkenness occurs once the depressed brainstem release inhibitions in the cerebrum. Once the cerebrum has released, impairment of thought, organization and motor activity follows. Alcohol has a major physiological effect of the depression of synaptic transmission. Tranquilizers: Tranquilizers decrease tension and anxiety without producing sleep, or significantly impairing mental and physical function. Although categorized as a drug, tranquilizers are used to treat severe mental disorders. Unlike other drugs, tranquilizers do not produce a physical dependence. Tranquilizers are used to treat anxiety, tension and muscle spasms.

Stimulants: Caffeine, amphetamines and cocaine are examples of stimulants, which directly stimulate the central nervous system. Stimulants can be used to treat obesity because of the anti-appetite effect of the amphetamines. A temporary rise in blood pressure, palpitations, dry mouth, sweating, headache, diarrhea and...