The word “narcotic” comes from a Greek word that means “to make numb.” During the past century, it’s been used in various contexts by health professionals, law enforcement and the public. Today, “narcotic” is most commonly used to refer to opiates and opioids.
Opiates are drugs that occur naturally in the opium plant. The term “opioid” can be used to refer to opiates and other man-made drugs that are similar in chemical structure to opiates but may or may not contain any part of the opium poppy. These drugs include morphine, heroin, hydrocodone and fentanyl. Effects of opioids include numbness, drowsiness and stupor.
Depending on the source, narcotics have been defined as:
- Any drug that causes drowsiness or numbness
- Any substance derived from opium
- Any controlled substance
A controlled substance is a drug regulated by the government. Confusion regarding the definition of “narcotic” may stem from different legal definitions of the term. American law enforcement agencies enforce local, state and federal laws which may define narcotic in different ways. These definitions may also differ from international definitions.
Federal & International Definitions of Narcotic
The United States government classifies only opioids and cocaine as narcotics. It also defines a narcotic treatment program as any program that provides medical detox or therapy for narcotic use. But the term “narcotic treatment program” may be misleading.
Narcotic treatment programs are commonly referred to as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). These programs primarily use methadone maintenance therapy, which isn’t effective for people addicted to cocaine.
The United Nations defines a narcotic drug as any drug listed in Schedules I and II of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, a 1961 treaty established to fight drug trafficking and abuse. Schedule I and II drugs include cannabis, opioids, cocaine, PCP and several other drugs. The U.N. also defines a narcotic analgesic as a medicine that causes “stupor, coma or insensibility to pain.”
These drug schedules and regulations were passed in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, few people use the term “narcotic” in the context of federal and international law.
Is Cocaine a Narcotic?
Cocaine is a stimulant, not an opioid. Simulants are a completely different class of drug from opioids. Cocaine can cause numbing, and it’s a controlled substance. Based on these physiological effects and legal classifications, cocaine falls under the broad category of narcotic.
But, again, most people use the term “narcotic” to represent opioids and opiates. Under this specific definition, cocaine does not qualify as a narcotic.
Do not call cocaine a narcotic if:
- You’re referring to drugs derived from opium.
- You’re referring to drugs that cause drowsiness, but not numbness.
The U.S. government and the United Nations each consider cocaine to be a narcotic. These organizations also consider the following substances used during cocaine production as narcotics: coca leaves, cocaine derivatives and ecgonine. Ecgonine is a metabolite of cocaine.
Is Meth a Narcotic?
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, isn’t considered a narcotic under most definitions. Meth is only considered a narcotic if you’re using the term broadly to refer to any controlled substance or any substance that can cause numbing.
Meth is not derived from opium, and it does not cause drowsiness. Neither the U.S. government nor the United Nations consider meth to be a narcotic.
Non-Narcotic Pain Medications
Many people associate narcotics with addiction. Drugs derived from opium are notorious for causing dependence, withdrawal and
opioid addiction. Several other drugs that relieve pain, such as cocaine and meth, are also addictive.
However, nonaddictive pain medications are available. They can effectively relieve many types of mild or moderate pain, according to a 2017 review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. In some situations, they’re more effective than opioids.
- Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen
- Corticosteroids
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Naproxen
These medications are effective in many situations, but opioids are considered the most effective drug for relieving severe pain. Non-narcotic pain medications come with unique risks and side effects, but opioids are generally considered riskier.
The term “narcotic” has evolved over time. Where it was once used to refer specifically to drugs that dulled the senses or, more broadly, to any controlled substance, “narcotic” is now most commonly used to refer to opioids.
Author
Senior Content Writer,
DrugRehab.com
Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.
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