Heroin

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

• IV-direct to blood stream = fastest
• some snort to avoid needles (slower but long lasting)
• Rook (2006): Action site in thalamus and cerebral cortex - morphine by enzymes - binds to opioid receptors
• Olderndorf (1972): lipid soluble - BBB - action site quicker than morphone
• more intesne rush making it more popular even though effects are the same

Question 2

Effects

Answer 2

• Exogenous chemical, alters cell function
• Converted to morphine - binds to opioid receptors in reward pathway - surge of euphoria - dry mouth - warm flush
• Followed by alternating wakeful drowsy states
• mental functions clouded due to depression of the CNS
• Natural pleasyre produces few endorphins which produce pleasure
• Tull (2007): those with anxiety and depression experience even less - heroin is used to relieve
• Boerner (1975): short term effects only last a few hours as the drug is metabolised
• Relieves feelings of pain as the morphine blocks pain receptors
• short term relief, long tern effects not worth it as blocking pain and opioid receptors disrupts normal functions
• Also slows digestive system, relaxes muscles and constricts the pupils

Question 3

Addiction

Answer 3

-Brain remembers and seeks out events that cause pleasure - subconscious motivation
-heroin disrupts the reward system and changes the way the brain functions, experiences happiness and other emotions which creates cravings for heroin
-This drives people to seek more heroin despite the serious consequence on their lives
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Question 4

Effects on an addict

Answer 4

• More servere effects with long term use
• Sporer (1999): collapsed veins, abcesses, spontaneous abortion and ppneumonia
• Slows breathing to a dangerously low rate = brain damage and oxygen deprivation
• Oxygen deprivation causes brain cels to die which can be fatal
• Most people who lose their life over heroin overdose was caused as heroin stops breathing
• amount of brain damage depends on how low they were deprived of oxygen
• some are able to fully recover and others need life support or care assistants

Question 5

tolerance - Withdrawal

Answer 5

• tolerance definition
• Withdrawal: dysphoria and anxious misery, nausea and cramping
• body works to oppose the relaxation caused by heroine which causes constipation

Question 6

Tolerance effects

Answer 6

• Repeated use causes opioid receptors to become less responsive or be damaged
• leads to feeling less pleasure over time
• leads to addicts increasing dosage which can be fatal as tolerance will keep occuring
• brain changes and begins to depend on heroin to function normally

Question 7

dependence

Answer 7

• opioid receptors depend on a certain level of heroin to fundtion normally over time
• each use reinforces the changes that cause cravings
• brain receptors continue to adapt to heroin exposure
• addiction is a result of different genetic and environmental factors
• addiction results from changes to the brain that affects self-control, motivation and pleasure

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

• popularity
• dangerous physical effects
• servere withdrawal symptoms lead addicts seek heroin just to avoid twithdrawal symptoms but with treatment and support recovery is possible