Dictionary of Biological Psychology
(from Greek, narke: sleep, numbness) A group of compounds, derived from OPIUM or synthesized, with similar structure and pharmacological actions. Narcotics are also known as NARCOTIC ANALGESICS or OPIATES. This term was originally meant to distinguish narcotic analgesics, drugs which relieve PAIN and cause sleepiness, from non-narcotic analgesics such as aspirin.
However, the term is somewhat misleading since many lay people and law-enforcement officials refer to all illegal drugs as narcotics. In medical and scientific literature, the term narcotic refers only to opiates. Narcotics have many physiological and subjective effects; they cause a feeling of well-being, relaxation and drowsiness, cause respiratory depression and constriction of the pupils, and are potent analgesics. Narcotics have a high ABUSE POTENTIAL. Examples of narcotics are MORPHINE, HEROIN, CODEINE, METHADONE and FENTANYL.
ANN E.KELLEY
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