PAREGORIC

COMMON NAME: goric

In the world of narcotics, paregoric is merely kids' stuff. The drug is so mild it can be safely recommended as an effective remedy not only. for adults but for infant and childhood diarrhea as well. In primitive and less than hygienic lands, it is often the traveler's best friend in times of distress on the Montezuma Trail.

Paregoric is an opiate narcotic made from opium, camphor, benzoic acid, and anise oil. Opium causes a constriction of the bowels that relieves diarrhea, while anise is responsible for its strong licorice-like taste.

The drug is usually taken by mouth, swallowed straight, or diluted with water. Recommended dose is usually 1 teaspoon every four to six hours. When taken as prescribed, for short periods, there is no danger of addiction. The average dose contains 4 percent tincture of opium, or 1/4 grain morphine not enough to get you hooked.

Because it has been abused, paregoric is regulated under federal narcotics laws. Although clearly not favored by opiate addicts, in times of narcotics scarcity they used it to stave off withdrawal until more potent drugs could be obtained. Addicts drink it by the bottle to simulate a mildly narcotic, sedative state. Less frequently, abusers inject residue scrapings from paregoric bottles. Injection is a dangerous procedure, however, since paregoric residue can cause abscesses and blood diseases. Pleasure seekers have been known to dip a cigarette or marijuana joint in paregoric liquid before smoking to provide an extra lift.