Transcript Opioid Receptors.

Heroin
Noorah Al-Fraywan
HLTH 1050
What is Heroin?
› A highly addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine,
often used illicitly as a narcotic producing euphoria
› It is both the most abused and the most rapidly acting of the
opiates.
How is Heroin Made and Used?
› Processed from morphine, a naturally occurring opiate
extracted from the seedpod of certain varieties of poppy
plants.
› First synthesized from morphine in 1874.
› Manufactured from opium poppies in four primary sources:
South America, Southeast and Southwest Asia, and Mexico.
› It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder that is “cut”
with sugars, starch, powdered milk, or quinine.
› Heroin can be snorted, smoked or injected.
What Does Heroin Look Like?
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
› When heroin enters the brain, it is first converted into
morphine and then binds its self to brain receptors which are
known as Opioid Receptors.
› These receptors control pain and reward perception within
one. They are also important for controlling functions which
are critical to life such as breathing and blood pressure for
example.
What are the Short-Term Effects of Heroin?
› Abusers typically report feeling a surge of pleasurable
sensation—a “rush.”
› With heroin, the rush is usually accompanied by a warm
flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in the
extremities, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,
and severe itching. After the initial effects, users usually will
be drowsy for several hours; mental function is clouded; heart
function slows; and breathing is also severely slowed,
sometimes enough to be life-threatening. Slowed breathing
can also lead to coma and permanent brain damage
What are the Long-Term Effects of Heroin?
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Bad teeth
Inflammation of the gums
Constipation
Cold sweats
Itching
Weakening of the immune system
Coma
Respiratory (breathing) illnesses
Muscular weakness, partial paralysis
Reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men
Tolerance
› With regular heroin use, tolerance develops. This means the
abuser must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity or
effect. As higher doses are used over time, physical
dependence and addiction develop. With physical
dependence, the body has adapted to the presence of the
drug and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use is reduced or
stopped.
Heroin Addiction
› A chronic, relapsing disease that is characterized by changes in
the brain and uncontrollable drug seeking behaviors despite
the negative consequences.
Causes of Heroin Addiction
› Thought to be result of several factors:
› Genetic
› Brain Chemistry
› Environmental
› Psychological
Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
› Vary among users based on genetic makeup, amount of drug
used, frequency of use, and dependency on the drug.
› Include:
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Depression
Slurred speech
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Euphoria
Hallucinations
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Mood swings
Dry mouth
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Anxiety
Shortness of breath
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Paranoia
Extreme itching
Effects of Heroin Abuse
› Varies depending on length of abuse, amount of heroin used,
and the presence of other substances.
› May include:
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Liver disease
Overdose
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Kidney disease
Death
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Chronic pneumonia
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HIV or Hepatitis B and C
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Seizures
Withdrawal
› May occur as early as a few hours after the last administration
› Peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside
after about a week
› Produces craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain,
insomnia, diarrhea, and other symptoms
› As withdrawal progresses, elevations in blood pressure, pulse,
respiratory rate and temperature occur.
Treatment for a Heroin Addiction
› Medications
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Methadone
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Buprenorphine
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Naltrexone
› Behavioral Therapy
› Heroin Detox
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Rapid Detox
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Tapering off
Treatment Centers in Utah
› Turning Point Centers
› New Roads Behavioral Health
› Recovery Ways
Celebrities That Died of Heroin Overdose
› Kurt Cobain (addiction)
› Janis Joplin
› Chris Farley
› John Belushi
› Jim Morrison