Heroin Flashcards
Heroin is analgesic, what is this?
Pain killer
What is heroin?
A synthetic opiate (chemically altered form of morphine)
Heroin attaches to what?
Opioid receptors
What’s heroins mode of action?
Heroin binding to opioid receptors inhibits release of GABA
This stimulates dopamine in parts of the brain
Nucleus accumbens is key brain area affected
Heroin releases endorphins which cause what?
Pain relief, relaxation and euphoria
What effect does heroin have on the heart?
Can cause infection of valves
What effect does heroin have on the veins?
Veins collapse
What effect does heroin have on the liver?
Hepatitis C
What effect does heroin have on the brain?
Addiction
What effect does heroin have on the lungs?
Pneumonia
What effect does heroin have on the skin?
Abscesses
What effects of heroin quickly become tolerant?
Pain killing effects and euphoria
What doesn’t become tolerant when taking heroin?
The suppression of breathing
What is the biological dependence like with heroin?
Develops very quickly
Regular uses have to take heroin to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms
What is the psychological dependence with heroin?
User can’t cope without fix
Progressively less satisfied with other aspects of life
Confused anxious and restless
