Narcotic drugs info reqd

Tips for understanding what Narcotic Drugs means:

1.An addictive drug, such as opium, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor. Natural and synthetic narcotics are used in medicine to control pain.

2.A soothing, numbing agent or thing: "There was the blessed narcotic of bridge, at the Colony or at the home of friends" (Louis Auchincloss).

adj.

1.     Inducing sleep or stupor; causing narcosis.

2.     Of or relating to narcotics, their effects, or their use.

3.     Of, relating to, or intended for one addicted to a narcotic.

According to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:

Narcotic means:

Drug that produces analgesia (see analgesic), narcosis (stupor or sleep), and drug addiction. In most people narcotics also produce euphoria. Those that occur naturally in the opium poppy, notably morphine, have been used since ancient Greek times. The main therapeutic use of narcotics is for pain relief. Most countries limit the production, sale, and use of narcotics because of their addictive properties and detrimental effects and the incidence of drug abuse. With the development in the 19th century of the hypodermic needle and of heroin, five to 10 times as potent as morphine, the use and abuse of narcotics increased dramatically. A narcotic overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and death.

As per the Sci-Tech Encyclopedia Narcotics means:

A drug which when swallowed, inhaled, or injected induces stupor, sleep, and insensibility. Most narcotics are derived from opium, the dried latex of the poppy, Papaver somniferum. Some narcotics, especially morphine and its derivatives, are used in medicine to control moderate to severe pain. However, most have severe side-effects: for example, high doses can reduce breathing movements to the point of asphyxiation. In addition, narcotic use carries a high risk of physical and psychological dependence.

Narcotics have been used as analgesics (painkillers) in sport, enabling athletes to continue to compete with injuries that otherwise would be incapacitating. There is also evidence that some athletes use them to induce a sense of euphoria and reduce feelings of fatigue. The International Olympic Committee has banned their use. Its list of banned substances includes codeine which, in the UK, is readily available in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.

The human body produces its own natural narcotics, encephalins and endorphins. These have pain-relieving effects very similar to those of morphine and they also induce a sense of euphoria (see runner's high).

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of narcotics is generally similar to that of morphine, the principal narcotic used for its analgesic effects. Differences among them lie in the potency of their action and in the degree and variety of the side actions which they produce. Effects are those of analgesia, accompanied by a state of euphoria characterized by drowsiness and a change of mood from anxiety and tension to calmness and equanimity. It should be remembered that whatever narcotic is used, the effects are dose-related, and in higher doses all narcotics produce deep sleep and eventually general depression of all brain functions. Death from over dosage is due to depression of the respiratory centers with resultant failure of respiration.

The predominant pharmacological effect of morphine (and the other narcotics) is on the central nervous system. From the standpoint of its medicinal use, its most important action is relief of pain. Along with its valuable medicinal use morphine produces a great many undesirable side actions; the most frequent are depressed respiratory activity, the production of nausea and vomiting, and the inhibition of defecation and urination.

Drug dependence

All narcotics have the potential for producing dependence and addiction when used repeatedly over a period of time. Drug dependence results from compulsive, continued use of the drug, and is characterized by one or more of the following conditions: habituation, tolerance, or addiction.

Like any other habit pattern, habitual use of a drug can develop. Common examples are the use of nicotine in the form of cigarettes, or caffeine in the form of coffee or tea. Such habituation is generally regarded as innocuous.

Repeated ingestion of a drug in which the effect produced by the original dose no longer occurs results in tolerance. To produce the original effect, it is necessary to increase the dose.

When the body develops a dependence for the drug, addiction occurs. If the drug is suddenly stopped after a period of frequent use, a withdrawal syndrome develops, which is characterized by physical pain and widespread body reactions. The addict comes to dread the development of such painful and distressing reactions, and is trapped into continuing the drug.

All narcotics can produce habituation, tolerance, and addiction to a greater or less degree. Addiction to codeine is relatively rare but possible. Addiction to heroin develops rapidly, and this narcotic is therefore exceedingly dangerous.

Actions and Uses

In small doses narcotics have valuable medical uses, numbing the senses, relieving severe pain, and inducing sleep. They are also given preoperatively to relieve pain and anxiety. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and allergic reactions. In large doses narcotics can be highly dangerous, causing stupor, coma, convulsions, or death. All narcotics are addictive; several morphine derivatives as well as chemically dissimilar narcotics that have been developed for medical use have fewer side effects and are less addictive than morphine, but they are also generally less potent. Unlike general anesthetics such as ether and chloroform, narcotics depress the respiratory center and in low doses relieve pain without inducing sleep. Respiratory depression occurs in newborns whose mothers have been given narcotics such as meperidine (Demerol) during labor. Narcotics differ from barbiturates and other sedatives in that they have no anticonvulsant action; also, narcotics relieve pain, while sedatives do not.

Attempts at Control

There are strict controls on narcotic prescripttion and administration in the United States. Nevertheless, addiction to narcotics, especially heroin, which has no legal use, continues to be a serious problem. There have been nationally and internationally based attempts to control the production of narcotics and to limit their export and import to medical use only. Large quantities are nonetheless grown in SW Asia (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan), in SE Asia (the "Golden Triangle" region of Myanmar and Thailand; cultivation in Laos was largely eradicated in 2005), Lebanon, Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala, and a large illicit traffic in these substances continues.

Veterinary Dictionary

1. pertaining to or producing narcosis.
2. a drug that produces insensibility or stupor.
In veterinary medicine the term narcotic includes any drug that has this effect, but care is needed to avoid confusion with the more common usage of the word to mean the habit-forming drugs—for example, opiates such as morphine and heroin, and synthetic drugs such as meperidine. These can be legally obtained for use in animals only with a veterinarian's prescripttion. The sale or possession of narcotics for other than strictly therapeutic purposes is prohibited by law.

• n. analgesics — opiate derivatives such as morphine and etorphine.
• n. antagonists — substances used to reverse the effects of morphine derivatives. They include naloxone, and partial antagonists such as levallorphan and nalorphine.
• n. antitussives — cough suppressants, usually containing codeine.

                NARCOTIC CONROL LEGAL REGIMES

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)

The Economic and Social Council established the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in 1946 as the central policy-making body of the United Nations in drug related matters. The Commission enables Member States to analyzed the global drug situation, provide follow-up to the twentieth special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem and to take measures at the global level within its scope of action. It also monitors the implementation of the three international drug control conventions and is empowered to consider all matters pertaining to the aim of the conventions, including the scheduling of substances to be brought under international control. D

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is a body within the United Nations system that serves as the main forum to discuss international economic and social issues and coordinate the related work of the 14 United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. ECOSOC has the power to formulate policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.

The Council’s main responsibilities are to:

- Serve as the main forum to discuss international economic and social issues,

- Promote higher standards of living, full employment and economic and social progress,

- Advance solutions to international economic, social and health-related problems, as well as international cultural and educational cooperation; and

- Encourage universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The important discussions fostered by the Council include such global topics as the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, strengthened emergency humanitarian assistance and coordinated financing for development and development cooperation. ECOSOC promotes the economic and social needs of post-conflict countries and has recently increased its engagement in the work of the United Nations Peace Building Commission. Furthermore, the Council works to secure continuous political commitment from Member States and emphasizes international cooperation and coordination in all aspects of its work.

ECOSOC consults with civil society groups, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector, and is the main body that recommends consultative status to NGOs. Over 3,000 NGOs from around the world now enjoy consultative status with the Council.

Vienna NGO Committee

Welcome to the Vienna Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) e-home!

The committee is a vital link between NGO's and the key intergovernmental and international agencies involved in drug policy, strategy and control: the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the International Narcotics Control Board and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Established in 1983, the Committee works with these organisations to provide information on NGO activities, draw attention to areas of concern, build partnerships between governmental and non-governmental organisations and to involve a wide sector of civil society in contributing to the development of global drug policies.

The VNGOC is composed of members representing international, national and local NGOas and represents a key mechanism for NGOs to substantively contribute to global drug policy. I urge you to learn more about the VNGOC by exploring this web site and then to contribute to its work through applying for membership by completing the Membership Application Form and returning it to info@vngoc.org

"Beyond 2008", an initiative of the Committee in partnership with UNODC, provided a platform for civil society to contribute to the review of the 1998-2008 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on illicit drugs.  It produced a Declaration and three Resolutions adopted by consensus by all the participants of the Vienna Forum in July 2008.  These put forward proposals which command consensus across the rich diversity of philosophies and approaches within the NGO community.  We now have the responsibility to build on that consensus and ensure that governments and international agencies draw on the recommendations to create inclusive and effective drug policy, strategy and practice.  We have now published a book - Making a Difference - to record the work of Beyond 2008 and the contribution of NGOs from around the world to the UNGASS review.  You can download the book at the "Updates" tab and read more about "Beyond 2008" at the B2008 Forum and B2008 Resolutions and follow-up tabs.

To maintain and build on the achievements to date, the VNGOC has prepared and adopted a Strategic Plan and is in the process of operationalising and implementing this. You can read and download the Strategic Plan here.  The independent evaluation of "Beyond 2008" also provides many valuable ideas for future development of the work of the VNGOC.  The evaluation can be downloaded here or from the UNODC web site.

Much has been achieved in recent years but there is much more to achieve in ensuring that NGOs are valid and valued contributors and partners in the debate and the development of international drug policy.  We hope that you will join us in this work through active membership of the VNGOC.

Sincerely,

David Turner
Chair of the VNGOC

In India Narcotic Drugs is controlled by NDPS Act.

NDPS Act 

Basic Features of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Act, 1985
The NDPS Act 1985 sets out the statutory framework for drug law enforcement in India.The main elements of the control regime mandated by the Act are as follows:

Narcotic Drugs means:

1.An addictive drug, such as opium, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor. Natural and synthetic narcotics are used in medicine to control pain.

2.A soothing, numbing agent or thing: "There was the blessed narcotic of bridge, at the Colony or at the home of friends" (Louis Auchincloss).

adj.

1.     Inducing sleep or stupor; causing narcosis.

2.     Of or relating to narcotics, their effects, or their use.

3.     Of, relating to, or intended for one addicted to a narcotic.

According to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:

Narcotic means:

Drug that produces analgesia (see analgesic), narcosis (stupor or sleep), and drug addiction. In most people narcotics also produce euphoria. Those that occur naturally in the opium poppy, notably morphine, have been used since ancient Greek times. The main therapeutic use of narcotics is for pain relief. Most countries limit the production, sale, and use of narcotics because of their addictive properties and detrimental effects and the incidence of drug abuse. With the development in the 19th century of the hypodermic needle and of heroin, five to 10 times as potent as morphine, the use and abuse of narcotics increased dramatically. A narcotic overdose can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, and death.

As per the Sci-Tech Encyclopedia Narcotics means:

A drug which when swallowed, inhaled, or injected induces stupor, sleep, and insensibility. Most narcotics are derived from opium, the dried latex of the poppy, Papaver somniferum. Some narcotics, especially morphine and its derivatives, are used in medicine to control moderate to severe pain. However, most have severe side-effects: for example, high doses can reduce breathing movements to the point of asphyxiation. In addition, narcotic use carries a high risk of physical and psychological dependence.

Narcotics have been used as analgesics (painkillers) in sport, enabling athletes to continue to compete with injuries that otherwise would be incapacitating. There is also evidence that some athletes use them to induce a sense of euphoria and reduce feelings of fatigue. The International Olympic Committee has banned their use. Its list of banned substances includes codeine which, in the UK, is readily available in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.

The human body produces its own natural narcotics, encephalins and endorphins. These have pain-relieving effects very similar to those of morphine and they also induce a sense of euphoria (see runner's high).

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of narcotics is generally similar to that of morphine, the principal narcotic used for its analgesic effects. Differences among them lie in the potency of their action and in the degree and variety of the side actions which they produce. Effects are those of analgesia, accompanied by a state of euphoria characterized by drowsiness and a change of mood from anxiety and tension to calmness and equanimity. It should be remembered that whatever narcotic is used, the effects are dose-related, and in higher doses all narcotics produce deep sleep and eventually general depression of all brain functions. Death from over dosage is due to depression of the respiratory centers with resultant failure of respiration.

The predominant pharmacological effect of morphine (and the other narcotics) is on the central nervous system. From the standpoint of its medicinal use, its most important action is relief of pain. Along with its valuable medicinal use morphine produces a great many undesirable side actions; the most frequent are depressed respiratory activity, the production of nausea and vomiting, and the inhibition of defecation and urination.

Drug dependence

All narcotics have the potential for producing dependence and addiction when used repeatedly over a period of time. Drug dependence results from compulsive, continued use of the drug, and is characterized by one or more of the following conditions: habituation, tolerance, or addiction.

Like any other habit pattern, habitual use of a drug can develop. Common examples are the use of nicotine in the form of cigarettes, or caffeine in the form of coffee or tea. Such habituation is generally regarded as innocuous.

Repeated ingestion of a drug in which the effect produced by the original dose no longer occurs results in tolerance. To produce the original effect, it is necessary to increase the dose.

When the body develops a dependence for the drug, addiction occurs. If the drug is suddenly stopped after a period of frequent use, a withdrawal syndrome develops, which is characterized by physical pain and widespread body reactions. The addict comes to dread the development of such painful and distressing reactions, and is trapped into continuing the drug.

All narcotics can produce habituation, tolerance, and addiction to a greater or less degree. Addiction to codeine is relatively rare but possible. Addiction to heroin develops rapidly, and this narcotic is therefore exceedingly dangerous.

Actions and Uses

In small doses narcotics have valuable medical uses, numbing the senses, relieving severe pain, and inducing sleep. They are also given preoperatively to relieve pain and anxiety. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and allergic reactions. In large doses narcotics can be highly dangerous, causing stupor, coma, convulsions, or death. All narcotics are addictive; several morphine derivatives as well as chemically dissimilar narcotics that have been developed for medical use have fewer side effects and are less addictive than morphine, but they are also generally less potent. Unlike general anesthetics such as ether and chloroform, narcotics depress the respiratory center and in low doses relieve pain without inducing sleep. Respiratory depression occurs in newborns whose mothers have been given narcotics such as meperidine (Demerol) during labor. Narcotics differ from barbiturates and other sedatives in that they have no anticonvulsant action; also, narcotics relieve pain, while sedatives do not.

Attempts at Control

There are strict controls on narcotic prescripttion and administration in the United States. Nevertheless, addiction to narcotics, especially heroin, which has no legal use, continues to be a serious problem. There have been nationally and internationally based attempts to control the production of narcotics and to limit their export and import to medical use only. Large quantities are nonetheless grown in SW Asia (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan), in SE Asia (the "Golden Triangle" region of Myanmar and Thailand; cultivation in Laos was largely eradicated in 2005), Lebanon, Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala, and a large illicit traffic in these substances continues.

NDPS Act 

Thanks a million Sir. I am so grateful to you. I was googling for past few hours to get this info . You have made my life easy, thank you once again Sir.