Opiate receptors are a type of protein found in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract. When opiate is taken into the body orally, through sniffs or by injection it is absorbed into the blood stream and reach to the receptors in the brain causing feelings of pain relief, euphoria and relaxation. Opiate is beneficial due to its analgesic properties and is prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain, cancer, surgical patients etc. It relaxed the body immediately and gives a feeling of contentment. Yet the worst drawback of this centuries old pain reliever is- addiction!
Endogenous Opioid peptides are produced naturally by the brain to act as a natural pain killer, when opiate is consumed through pain killers it produces more of endorphins and dynorphins which make the body dependent on Opioid. This dependency leads ultimately to addiction. Continue reading ‘What Is An Opiate Addiction?’ »