what are the difference between drugs and narcotics in terms of chemical structure?

Answer 1

Simply put, narcotics have a certain piperdine ring structure not found in other drugs.


"A narcotic is a drug, derived from the resin of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), that reduces pain, induces sleep and may alter mood or behavior."

-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcotic


Morphine is the most important alkaloid in opium, and the chemical structure can be found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morphine


The structure of morphine and all opium derivatives are characterized by the piperdine ring, see:

http://www.methadone.org/namadocuments/es05basic_pharmacology_2.html

Answer 2

Narcotics are a class of drug.

Answer 3

drugs is a generic term referring to all medicines and illicit substances. Narcotics can mean opiates, or illegal substances.