Behind the designation BtM or advertised narcotics are substances that are divided into different categories. The distinguishing criterion of the respective classifications is based on the so-called potential for abuse, the prescription requirement and its effectiveness.

Narcotics contain substances consisting of methadone, levamethadone, codeine, cocaine, heroin, morphine and other addictive additives. In this context, it is partly about funds that have no medical utility. Another group of narcotics, on the other hand, is therapeutically valuable, with some narcotics causing physical or psychological dependence.

Application, effect & use

A large number of anesthetics have become indispensable in therapy and disease support to alleviate the symptoms. Most patients are familiar with narcotics from their use to reduce or eliminate pain .A more or less large concentration of anesthetic substances contain, for example, various painkillers , which are summarized under the term analgesics . Furthermore, anesthetics are also important in medicine in order to be able to carry out local anesthesia for appropriate surgical interventions and examinations or anesthesia .

Narcotics have also become very important in palliative medicine and in euthanasia. The anesthetics enable terminally ill people to die with dignity without pain and in a light twilight state. The relaxing effect of the anesthetics also makes the process of dying easier.

This effect of the narcotics is also used in psychiatry to sedate and calm people with various mental illnesses. In this regard, some narcotics are present in prescription drugs. These are used as sleeping pills and can usually be taken temporarily under medical supervision.

Herbal, Natural & Pharmaceutical Narcotics

Many types of narcotics , both synthetic and natural in origin, have been developed over the years. Within the narcotics are the stimulants, which include cocaine, crack and various amphetamines .

Furthermore, the sedatives are prescribed. These are based on barbiturates, heroin and benzodiazepines. The hallucinogens among the narcotics are LSD and cannabis. Heroin, cocaine and some narcotic alkaloids as well as morphine are obtained from extracts of special plant components. The coca plant and the marijuana bush or hemp are well known. A special poppy plant contains morphine. Morphine is a very strong derivative of opium and is one of the best-known and oldest narcotics. Opiates or opioids can also be created synthetically.

In contrast, the modern pharmaceutical industry is able to artificially produce narcotics. Among these narcotics, the medically relevant amphetamines and psychodysleptics or hallucinogens are of central importance. In addition to synthetic narcotics, semi-synthetic substances are also used in medicine. LSD and heroin are some of the active ingredients in this narcotic group.

Certain narcotics, which are obtained from deadly nightshade, for example, play an important role in alternative medicine and homeopathy and are used in different dilutions. It is about the so-called alkaloids, which are also contained in other plants commonly referred to as “poisonous plants”.

Other prescription narcotics used in homeopathy include snake venoms . These are only issued on prescription up to a potency of D3. A narcotic that has been tried and tested in homeopathic practice is cannabis, which can also be used in the form of hemp ointment.

Risks & side effects

The side effects and risks of the narcotics result from the chemical ingredients and can be quite significant if not dosed properly. Intoxicated states or feelings result from the impairment of the central nervous system .In addition, physical intolerances such as stomach problems or nervousness can occur. Dry mouth , dizziness and constipation are also observed. A particular risk of taking narcotics is the potential for addiction, which leads to a permanent increase in drug intake. The body gets used to it and demands more and more substance.

In some cases, paralysis of the respiratory system occurs with narcotics if an overdose has occurred. Hallucinations , sleep disturbances , and chronic abuse can also be triggered by narcotics.

Narcotics also increase the risk of having a heart attack and cause blood pressure to fluctuate. Blood pressure usually rises . The side effects that occur always depend on the type and dosage of the anesthetic.