What type of analgesics are characterized as non-addictive?

Non-narcotic analgesics are classified as non-addictive because they do not lead to physical dependence or have the potential for abuse associated with narcotic or opioid analgesics. These medications, such as acetaminophen and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), provide pain relief primarily by inhibiting enzymes involved in the pain and inflammation pathways, without affecting the central nervous system in a way that encourages habit formation.

In contrast, narcotic analgesics and opioid analgesics are derived from opium or synthetically produced to mimic opiate effects. They are effective in treating moderate to severe pain but are known to cause dependence and have a risk of addiction. Local analgesics, while also non-addictive, serve a different purpose by providing localized pain relief and do not fit within the broader category of systemic pain relief that includes both narcotic and non-narcotic types. Thus, it is the classification of non-narcotic analgesics that distinctly marks them as non-addictive.