WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Some narcotics, such as morphine and codeine, are
routinely prescribed for severe pain. However, they have to be
used with caution. If you take them steadily for several weeks,
or take larger doses than prescribed, you can easily become
addicted. Narcotic addicts constantly crave the drug and become
physically ill if they stop taking it. The drug becomes the
focus of their life, as they spend more and more of their time
and money assuring a supply. Using
narcotics--particularly injecting heroin or morphine--puts your
life in danger. Addicts are liable to develop infections;
suffer serious problems with the lungs, liver, and brain; or
die from an overdose. Injecting narcotics with dirty needles
also can give you AIDS.
A narcotics habit is hard to kick, but there are medical
treatments that will help.
Causes
Taking a narcotic drug regularly
for several weeks, or taking large doses, almost always leads
to addiction. Pregnant women who take these drugs can pass the
addiction to their babies.
Signs/Symptoms
The initial ""high'' from the
drug is followed by drowsiness and a slowdown in your breathing
and heartbeat. Your skin may become red, warm, or itchy. The
longer you keep taking the drug, the more you will need it.
When you stop using it (go through withdrawal), you will go
through a short period of physical illness. The first
signs of withdrawal are fast breathing, sweating, yawning, and
runny nose. You may also shake and develop goose bumps on your
skin, mood changes, and enlarged pupils. After 2 to 3 days, you
may suffer insomnia, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach
cramps, muscle pain, and a fast heart rate.
Care
To wean you from the drug, your doctor may prescribe
another type of narcotic and slowly reduce the dose. You may
need other drugs for a short time to help with the withdrawal
symptoms. Joining a support group or getting counseling may
help you stop taking the drug. Some people need to attend a
special program for narcotic addicts.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If prescribed a narcotic medicine, be careful to
follow your doctor's instructions. Do not increase the dose
or take the drug any longer than absolutely
necessary.
-
Don't even experiment with ""recreational''
narcotics. Stay away from people who use drugs and who
encourage others to use them.
-
The first step to quitting is to admit you have a
problem. Be honest and open with family and close friends.
Ask for their help.
-
Don't try to stop taking the drug all at once. You
will need medical help to get you through a gradual
withdrawal period.
-
Tell your doctor exactly how much of the drug you
have been taking. Also tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medications. Don't hesitate to be honest. Doctors
are familiar with the problem.
-
Support-group meetings and counseling can help you
quit. Take advantage of both.
-
Eat a healthy diet, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a
day, and get plenty of rest.
-
Don't smoke or drink coffee or alcohol. They can make
you nervous and increase your withdrawal
symptoms.
-
Don't dwell on the problem. Find new things to do.
Get out of the house every day. Go for walks
outside.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You cannot fight the need to take more drugs. Call
your doctor, a counselor, friend, or family member you
trust RIGHT AWAY.
-
You feel like your problems are getting the best of
you and you can't deal with them on your
own.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have chest pain, sweating, or trouble
breathing.
-
You get a severe headache; develop bad stomach pain;
or notice pain, a numb or prickly feeling, or burning in
your arms or legs.
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