Demerol Abuse
Although Demerol is used as a pain killer to relieve episodes of moderate to acute pain and users have found that it can also be used as a drug. This is because of its addictive nature,and it’s euphoric effects. Although the speed of addiction is not as fast as other opiate-based drugs like heroin, the user can get addicted relatively quickly. Addiction to Demerol causes physical and psychological dependence.
Physical dependence refers to an actual physical craving for the drug. This is the same case with alcohol and drug addicts. Psychological dependence is thinking that you need the drug to function normally. These are the classic symptoms of any kind of addiction. With Demerol abuse however, a user will get both physically and mentally dependent on the drug soon after the addiction kicks in.
In no time, he or she will have to use Demerol even though he or she is not experiencing any kind of pain. Demerol is a depressant, affecting the CNS. As a result the user or abuser will experience depressed or shallow breathing. This may get to dangerous levels where paralysis of the respiratory system may occur and cardiac arrest will follow. Likened to morphine, which has addictive features, Demerol responds to the opiate receptors in the brain.
