This document provides a basic introduction to drugs by classifying them into narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. It then focuses on narcotics, describing that they are derived from opium which comes from poppy plants. The document discusses some major narcotics like morphine, heroin, codeine, oxycontin, and methadone, explaining their chemical structures and medical uses for relieving pain or reducing heroin cravings.

1. BASIC INTRODUCTION
OF DRUG (PART- 2)
BY- SHRUTIKA SINGLA
VOLUNTEER
APPLIED FORENSIC RESEARCH SCIENCES

2. CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
Drugs
Narcotics
Morphine, Heroin,
Methadone,
Codeine
Depressants
Barbiturates,
Alcohol,
Meprobamate,
Diazepam
Stimulants
Amphetamines,
Cocaine, Caffeine,
Nicotine
Hallucinogens Marijuana, LSD,
Phencyclidine

3. NARCOTICS
 The term “Narcotic” has been derived from a Greek word “Narkotikos”, which
means a state of lethargy, or slowness or tiredness.
 These drugs are mainly used to relive pain and to induce sleep.
 But due to their medical use, these drugs are abused regularly.
 Narcotics involve Opiates (Morphine, Heroin, Codeine) and synthetic opiates.

4. Opium
 Opium is a natural narcotic drug which is derived from a plant known as Papaver
somniferum or Poppy Plant.
 Opium is a dried white milky juice which is obtained by cutting slits of unripe
seeds of the plant. This juice is somewhat sticky in nature and it turns brownish
black upon exposure with air.
 Opium is also a precursor to morphine and heroin as morphine is obtained from
opium and morphine is used for the production of heroin.
 There are about 40 alkaloid known in opium out of which 5 are major
constituents are: Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine, Papavarine & Narcotine.
 Opium is widely grown in the area of Laos, Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Iran and Mexico.

5. Milky juice of the Poppy Plant
Chemical Structure of Opium
Capsule of Poppy Plant
Flower of Poppy Plant

6. OxyContin
OxyContin is a synthetic drug.
Active Ingredient of OxyContin is Oxycodone, which is very similar
to morphine and heroin in its chemical structure.
It is an analgesic narcotic which is used for the treatment of chronic
pain.

7. Methadone
Methadone is also a synthetic drug.
It is pharmacologically related to Heroin with less side effects if
given in same quantity.
Its consumption also reduce the desire of heroin by the consumer.
It is prescribed by physicians for pain relief.