Heroin

Heroin

Mode of action
1. 1- morphine produced when taking heroin is a painkiller
2. 2- the morphine acts upon opium receptor sites
3. 3- the binding to opiate receptors triggers release of the neurotransmitter dopamine
4. 4- morphine mimics endorphons to stimulate this dopamine reward system
5. 5- GABA activity is inhibited
6. 6-It increases dopamine levels in the brain
Effects
1. short term
  1. pleasure feelings
  2. reduction of pain
  3. rush
  4. dry mouth
  5. heavy limbs
  6. flushing of skin
  7. relaxation
  8. drowsiness
  9. slowing of mental functioning
2. Long term
  1. psychological and physical dependence
  2. tolerance
  3. cravings
  4. collapsed veins
  5. diffiulty breathing
  6. infections
Withdrawal effects
1. Itchy skin
2. Sickness
3. Diarrohoea
4. sweating
5. insomia
6. depression
7. anxiety
Tolerance
1. More heroin is needed to reach the same 'rush' or pleasurable feelings as the first time becoming more addicted
Physical dependence
1. Means the body cannot function without Heroin in its system
Psychological dependence
1. the mind won't be able to function without it

Resource summary

	Created by Rebecca Johnstone over 8 years ago