Definition of Narcotic Substances
The term “narcotic substance,” while generally used in the field of medicine, also has legal implications. Derived from the Greek word “narke,” meaning “sleep,” the term refers to substances that have a narcotic effect and can lead to addiction (Dönmezer, 1975).
The concept of a narcotic substance varies depending on the context in which the term is used. From a brief scientific perspective, a narcotic substance can be defined as a substance that falls outside the scope of food and, due to its chemical structure and functions, has a harmful effect on living organisms. Based on this definition, the term “narcotic substance” encompasses chemical substances used in both agricultural and industrial contexts. In medicine, a narcotic substance can be defined as any substance used in the treatment of a physiological or mental disorder. However, if a narcotic substance is used in a harmful manner—that is, outside the dosage prescribed for treatment or haphazardly—or if it is used for recreational purposes, then it should be evaluated within the context of the narcotic substance problem (Günal, 1976).
Narcotics have been defined in the literature as substances that render a person physically and mentally inactive, render them useless, cause the loss of expected functions, and are addictive. One of the most well-known of these, “morphine,” is a word derived from Morpheus, the god of sleep in ancient Greek mythology, and has been used across all sectors for years, with its use actively encouraged and promoted (Bayhan, 1997).
Today, in our country, the term “narcotic” is generally used to refer to addictive substances. However, it is actually incorrect to use the term “narcotic” for all substances that can be addictive. This definition creates the impression that certain stimulants are excluded from this category. In fact, stimulants are substances that cause addiction just like narcotics. Therefore, it would be correct to include all addictive substances within this concept. In medical literature, these are referred to as psychoactive substances. In foreign sources, these substances were previously referred to as “drugs.” However, since the term “drug” is also used to mean “medication,” this has posed a significant problem, and it has been recognized that classifying all medications under the “drug” category is incorrect. Recently, they have been referred to as “substances” (Ögel, 1997).
Criminal codes have avoided providing a definitive definition of narcotic substances (Erem and Toroslu, 1973). However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted a definition, classifying as narcotic substances those substances—whether natural or synthetic—that, as a result of repeated use, cause harm to the individual and society and result in a state of chronic intoxication.
For any substance to be classified as a narcotic:
• The substance must be identified and listed in the schedules established under international treaties,
• The substance must have toxic effects,
• There must be a tendency toward its use in increasingly larger quantities,
• It must cause physical, psychological, or both types of dependence when used, and certain withdrawal symptoms must appear upon cessation.
He has categorized its characteristics into three main groups:
a) A strong craving to continue taking the drug,
b) A tendency to increase the dose of the substance being used,
c) A psychological and sometimes even physical dependence on the substance’s effects (Özen, 1973).
REFERENCES:
1) BAYHAN, N., (1997) The Harlam Model in Drug Abuse, Birleşik Yayıncılık, Istanbul.
2) DÖNMEZER, S., (1975) Criminology, Revised Fifth Edition, Istanbul.
3) EREM, F., TOROSLU, N. (1973) Turkish Criminal Law, Special Provisions, Ankara.
4) GÜNAL, H.Y., (1976) Narcotics Offenses, İş Printing and Trade, Ankara.
5) ÖGEL, K., (1997) Narcotic Substances and Addiction, İletişim Publishing, Şefik Printing House, Istanbul.
6) ÖZEN, C., TÜBİTAK “Symposium on Drug Habits,” May 11–12, 1973, Ankara.
