narcotic

(noun)

Any class of substances or drugs that reduce pain and induce sleep and may alter mood or behavior.

Related Terms

Examples of narcotic in the following topics:

  • Narcotics

    • Typical classes of narcotics include morphine, opium, and heroine.
    • Cocaine and coca leaves are also classified as "narcotics" in the U.S.
    • Controlled Substances Act (CSA); however they are chemically not narcotics.
    • Narcotics can be administered in a variety of ways.
    • With repeated use of narcotics, tolerance and dependence develop.

  • Depressants

    • The term "narcotic" originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with sleep-inducing properties.
    • When used in a legal context in the United States, the term "narcotic drug" refers to a substance that is completely prohibited, or one, such as codeine or morphine, that is used in violation of governmental regulation.

  • Sexual Dysfunction and Disease

    • Physical factors include the use of drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, stimulants, antihypertensives, antihistamines, and some psychotherapeutic drugs.

  • Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

    • Alcoholics Anonymous is the largest of all the twelve-step programs (from which all other twelve-steps programs are derived), followed by Narcotics Anonymous