How do narcotics affect the mind

Each drug impacts the brain differently , and long-term misuse of one or more substances will increasingly damage this essential organ. When taken, opioids attach themselves to the receptors in the brain and mimic the behaviors of a natural neurotransmitter.

While this makes opioids effective at blocking pain and creating a calming effect throughout the body, they can also dangerously slow down breathing and heart rate. Opioid painkillers and heroin are among the most addictive drugs. Dependence on these drugs can form quickly because of their ability to create what users describe as a euphoric high almost instantaneously. While this may be true, the pleasurable high is only part of the reason that opioids are so addictive.

Prescription opioids and heroin are also addictive because they activate the reward center in the brain. In order to activate the reward center, opioids flood your system with the feel-good chemical dopamine. Your mind is wired to remember and seek out the activities that stimulated your reward center and teaches you to do these things again and again to get the same euphoric rush.

Due to this, your brain can form a dependence to opioids quite rapidly. Stimulants include illicit drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, and prescription amphetamines, such as Adderall and Ritalin. This collection of drugs affects the brain by acting as central nervous system stimulants.

Stimulants increase the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. While the increase in dopamine causes a rush of pleasure among uses, the hyperstimulation of norepinephrine can cause:. When taken in high dosages, the irregular chemical balance in the brain caused by stimulants can lead to a dangerously high body temperature, an irregular heartbeat, seizures and heart failure. When endorphins interact with opioid receptors in the brain, you feel euphoric, elated, and free of pain.

When opioid medication and heroin interact with opioid receptors, they can also lead to euphoria and feelings of intense pleasure. But opioid drugs work differently than endogenous opioids like endorphins. Unlike the opioids your body naturally produces, opioid drugs can have adverse side effects and can negatively affect the brain. Despite the many advantages and benefits of opioids, individuals taking opioids medically or recreationally should know that misusing opioids can affect the brain.

When opioids bind to opioid receptors that regulate reward, they encourage the brain to produce an excessive amount of dopamine. Dopamine relieves pain and increases pleasure. The brain naturally seeks to repeat processes that trigger this reward. In addition, dopamine plays an important role in motivation and learning. Because of this, the brain continues to seek out the source of dopamine, triggering opioid cravings.

Continued opioid use allows the brain to begin to rely on opioid-induced dopamine as a primary source of pleasure. Using opioids for a long period of time can cause opioid-induced hyperalgesia OIH , or increased sensitivity to pain.

Opioid drugs activate receptors that block pain signals from reaching the brain. When this happens, the body tries to overcome these blocked signals by activating other pain signals, which can lead to hypersensitization.

Chronic opioid use can impair this part of the brain. In addition to many other tasks, the brain helps regulate impulse control. Abusing opioids disrupts brain circuits involved in impulse control. When this happens, resisting opioid cravings becomes incredibly challenging. In addition to that, not being able to control impulses can lead to aggression that negatively affects interpersonal relationships at work, home, or school.

Misusing opioids can negatively affect the brain. Fortunately, the brain is neuroplastic and capable of changing. Our treatment programs can help you regain control of your life and restore the health of your brain. Having a healthy brain is the gateway to a healthy, thriving life. Let us help you get there. Contact us today to learn more. Because mental health and addiction concerns are so often interconnected, we utilize research-based approaches with evidence-based outcomes that promote overall healing and recovery.

Copper Hill Dr. Talk with friends and family about responding to an overdose. Be aware of reduced tolerance: Be aware of changes in your health or your weight. Be aware after a period of abstinence, for any reason. If you start again your tolerance will be lower.

Start low, go slow if you have picked them up without a prescription. If you see a doctor, talk to them about overdose risk. Look is their chest moving? If they are breathing even a little, but are not responsive, you can help with rescue breathing. Stick with them for a few hours and keep an eye on them, because there is always the chance that a real overdose could develop.

Signs of an overdose include slow or shallow breathing, pale and clammy skin, snoring or gurgling while asleep and unresponsiveness to yelling or physical stimulation. If you suspect that someone may have overdosed call Additional steps you may take include rescue breathing and giving narcan, if available. Call right away: Give them the address, tell them your friend is not breathing, stay calm and follow their instructions.

Narcan may save their life but must be given quickly. They may need more than one dose. UConn Health. Search University of Connecticut. A to Z Index. What are opioids? What is an overdose? What are some common opioids I may have heard of? What are some addiction warning signs to watch out for? Taking opioid medications for the feeling of pleasure or euphoria or for emotional escape People suggesting that you cut back or quit using the medications Taking the medications other than orally such as crushing and snorting, or injecting Having cravings when not taking the drugs Seeking early refills of prescriptions, prescriptions from other doctors, or drugs from other sources What are some tips for patients with pain medication?

Do not increase your dosage without consulting your doctor Be aware of potential interactions with other substances, such as alcohol, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, and sleep aids Do not sell or give your medications to others, or accept medications from other sources than a pharmacy Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines and street drugs Tell your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, an addictive personality, or are experiencing any of the warning signs of addiction What are some of the signs of an opioid overdose?