Books in Understanding India series

Understanding Drugs is an in-depth information series covering all aspects of drugs, their use and their abuse. Each title gives clear information about particular drugs what they are, where they come from, and their effects on both mental and physical health. The series seeks to inform and warn against the abuse of drugs, but in a straightforward and sympathetic manner.The books also examine the social effects of drug-taking and the drugs trade - the economics of the dealers and pushers, who transport and distribute the drugs, and to whom. Each title ends with a section on curbing drug abuse and a list of useful addresses for further information.

Morphine is one of the oldest and most powerful pain relievers. Referred to as an opiate, morphine is one of the main chemicals found in opium, a gooey sap-like substance obtained from the opium poppy. Morphine can produce extraordinary relief from many types of pain, but also produces other effects such as sedation, constipation, lowered pulse and blood pressure, and feelings of extreme pleasure. Morphine and other opiate drugs are often called narcotic drugs, since in high doses they can produce heavy sedation and a sleep- or coma-like state called narcosis. Prolonged use of morphine can result in dependence and addiction, even when the pain that necessitated a prescription for the narcotic has disappeared. This use of prescription narcotic pain relievers for reasons other than pain relief is a growing problem in the United States and elsewhere. Morphine covers the history, uses, and dangers of this addictive drug.