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A '''narcotic''' is an agent that causes insensibility or stupor. It usually refers to [[opiods]] given to relieve pain.<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44691 National Cancer Institute]</ref>

A '''narcotic''' is literally a drug that induces sleep.<ref>[http://www.druglibrary.org/gh/what_is_a_narcotic.htm Drug Library, "What is a 'narcotic' drug?"]</ref> The word "narcotic" is taken from the Greek word '''narkos''', meaning "sleep." The term most commonly refers to [[opioid]]s such as [[heroin]], [[morphine]], and [[codeine]].

Narcotic is often used to refer to most any illegal drug, though strictly speaking the term can only be applied to substances that induce ''narcosis'', or a sleep/dream-like state.  Examples include prescription drugs such as [[morphine]] and [[codeine]], as well as illegal drugs such as [[heroin]] and [[opium]].

The term '''narcotic''' can also be used to describe any illegal drug, including [[marijuana]] or [[cocaine]], even though these drugs are not considered narcotics in the medical context. Due to this common confusion of the term, medical professionals typically refer to narcotic pain relievers as "[[opioid]]s" or "opioid analgesics."

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