NarcoticsFor hundreds of years, millions of people have used and abused narcotics. Two of the best known and most abused sources of narcotics are cocaine and opium, the latter being used from the earliest eras of Chinese history for centuries before its dangerous and addictive nature was fully understood. The ancient Egyptians even had writings about themselves and the Romans used the opium poppy to relieve pain during childbirth, chewing the poppy leaves would have produced a decent analgesic effect. Cocaine itself has been used in its base form for just as long and with its stimulating effect on the respiratory system, it has given workers the stamina needed to carry out their tasks in thin air environments and/or at high altitudes. So why can these two substances, with their seemingly amazing medicinal uses, create such a widespread problem and need control? Narcotics are a class of drugs that relieve pain and discomfort. They are widely prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain associated with previous illnesses or injuries, even illnesses or other conditions. In moderation, they can relieve pain and dull the senses making pain more tolerable. However, these drugs come with a price, just like any other addiction out there, the effects of these prescription drugs can cause an almost inevitable craving or craving for them or their street equivalents. This potentially dangerous side of narcotics has been overlooked for decades, if not centuries, through the promotion of cocaine and opium panaceas by some of the most famous people of the time. These panaceas came in many forms and were all widely accepted at first, only to later find that many began to crave them more and more, resulting in recreational use of the drug eventually coming into the picture. ..... mitigate the illegal distribution of narcotics, they are still the most abused drugs on the market and can be obtained virtually anywhere. Advances in the use and production of narcotics will undoubtedly continue to benefit many and should remain closely monitored to prevent harmful side effects that may result. As long as narcotics are available in hospitals, pharmacies, and on the streets, there will be a need for supervised observation, legal consequences associated with improper possession, and skilled treatment for narcotic addiction. You, as a patient or even as a caregiver, must ensure that these are taken as they are intended and received only through legally approved means. Take the lessons of the past and share them with others to hopefully stem the tide of pain and suffering that these drugs can cause if used or abused.