NPS FORMULARY

The history of human race has also been the history of drug use. Since earliest times, herbs, roots, bark leaves and plants have been used to relieve pain and help control disease. In and of itself, the use of drugs doesn’t constitute an evil; drugs, properly administered have been a medical blessing. Unfortunately certain drugs also initially produce enticing side effects, such as feeling of euphoria; a sense of “feeling good”, elation, seniority and power. What began as something of a recreational activity evolved in time into a problem of dependence and abuse. The most ancient of the substance which were used for recreational activity are opium, from the poppy plant (Papaver Somniferum L); cocaine from the leaf of coca bush (Erythroxylon coca) and cannabis products from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.). Until the end of the nineteenth century, it was possible to keep the use of these mood-altering substances within acceptable limits in most geographical areas and cultural settings. However, as chemical technology developed, it became possible to synthesize great quantities of morphine and its derivatives, as well as increasing number of other alkaloids. Drug development was made easier by the rapid expansion of communications, transport and international trade, which reduced geographical distances and eliminated many natural barriers between countries. A negative result of this development, however, was the drug abuse began to spread until it became a matter of increasing concern worldwide. The evident relationship between drug abuse and health, economic, social and political problems have contributed to the growing conviction that international and governmental controls were needed. As a result of these, the international and governmental controls were needed. As a result of these, the international community has been urged to develop instruments of control at international level since the times of League of Nations until the late periods of this century. Among the many conventions and protocols issued and amended repeatedly, the whole matters of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is governed by the following international drug control treaties. 1. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; as amended by the 1972 protocol. 2. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; 3. United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.