What criteria determine if a substance is considered a narcotic?

A substance is considered a narcotic primarily based on its potential for abuse and its recognized medical use. Narcotics generally refer to drugs that can relieve pain and produce a state of sedation or euphoria, but they also carry a high risk of addiction and abuse. This dual nature is essential in determining a substance’s classification; substances that have significant medical applications, such as certain opioids, fit this criterion. Their ability to provide pain relief while also posing risks of dependency makes their classification as narcotics relevant and necessary for regulating their use.

Factors like legal status, market price, and availability in controlled environments can affect how a substance is managed or perceived but do not inherently define what qualifies a substance as a narcotic. The focus on the balance between therapeutic benefits and risks of misuse is what is critical in establishing a drug's narcotic classification.