What is the difference between narcotic and opioid

Despite the Drug Enforcement Administration's opinion, opioids are technically categorized under the term narcotic. Galen, a Greek physician who lived between AD, is the likely source of the name.

The modern definition of "narcotic" typically pertains to an agent that produces insensibility or narcosis, which falls in line with Galen's original meaning. However, due to the negative association, the term narcotic has with illegal drugs, it has fallen out of use in medical settings. That being said, the term exists in a murky, vague space. Some doctors are okay with using it. Pharmacists generally describe schedule 1 and schedule 2 medications as narcotics. That includes stimulants. The pharmacy world refers to such drugs as narcotics because of the regulations they have to follow.

Schedule 1 and 2 medications must be filed, inventoried, and stored separately from other controlled medications. When thinking about these words broadly, you can think of opiates as being a subclass of opioids, and opioids as a subclass of narcotics.

Remember: all opioids are narcotics, but not all narcotics are opioids. Note: This blog was updated for accuracy and additional information in March Common opioids are OxyContin, hydrocodone, fentanyl and others. Opiate — narcotic analgesic derived from an opium poppy natural Opioid — narcotic analgesic that is at least part synthetic, not found in nature. Heroin is the most popular opiate, and a Schedule I narcotic under the Federal laws of the United States no medicinal purpose, highly abused.

People can use the terms interchangeably. The Philadelphia Field Division PFD monitors this threat closely, periodically reviewing multiple data indicators, in conjunction with investigative information, to continually assess the threat, then share analytical findings with stakeholders in federal, state, and municipal governments. Due to the efforts of DEA and our partners, from January through August , we have seen the number of opioid prescriptions drop nearly 37 percent, a reduction in over 47 percent of opioids dispensed, and most importantly -- an 18 percent drop in prescription overdose deaths over the Prescription Opioid Threat in Pennsylvania, September 03, The PDIP strives to maintain situational awareness of the threat posed by prescription opioids in Pennsylvania, and to share these analyses with stakeholders in federal, state, and municipal governments.

In , the PDIP published a Pharmaceutical Threat Assessment for Pennsylvania that found prescription opioid availability and abuse at epidemic levels The Drug Situation in Delaware August 11, Methamphetamine — A highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that is also categorized as a psychostimulant. Methamphetamine use has been linked to mental disorders, problems with physical health, violent behavior, and overdose deaths. Methamphetamine is commonly referred to as meth, ice, speed, and crystal, among many other terms.

Morphine milligram equivalents MME — The amount of milligrams of morphine an opioid dose is equal to when prescribed. Calculating MME accounts for differences in opioid drug type and strength. Naloxone — A drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and can be life-saving if administered in time.

The drug is sold under the brand name Narcan or Evzio. Narcotic drugs — Originally referred to any substance that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Some people use the term to refer to all illegal drugs but technically, it refers only to opioids.

Opioid is now the preferred term to avoid confusion.