Strictly speaking, the term "narcotic" refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their synthetic substitutes. This video delves into the history of narcotics such as heroin, opium, codeine, and morphine; the effects of narcotics on the body and the short- and long-term health impacts; and teenage attitudes toward narcotics. In addition, the video considers legalization and regulatory issues involving narcotics, as well as physical and psychological addiction to these potent drugs.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on Nov. 17, 2009. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Drugs - An Overview (1:10) -- Opiate Pain Killers (2:23) -- Heroin - A Black Market Commodity (2:18) -- Opium, Opiates, and Opioids (2:21) -- Effects of Narcotics (2:00) -- Narcotics and the Brain (2:07) -- Dopamine (1:48) -- Abuse and Addiction (1:57) -- State of Addiction (2:11) -- Recovering From Drug Addiction (1:58).