Opioids substances come from the bodies naturally, and physicians commonly prescribe this drug to treat pain. But how does it work?
The opioid is a term that came from a human-made opiate drug that came from poppy plants. But recently, this substance has been adapted to produce synthetic and natural drugs. This drug is often linked with analgesic medicine which is created to relieve pain. Most physicians prescribed this medicine for patients who are suffering from moderate to severe chronic pain. The process through which the body utilizes opioids gives them access to several parts of your physiology.
How Does It Work?
To fully understand this substance, it is essential to know what parts of the body are their target. Within the human body, there’s a small proteins dot presents outside your cells. These small proteins serve as lock and will only give way to a particular chemical key that will activate them. The nerves within your body have many small receptors that are specifically assigned for opioids. These receptors interact in unique ways with different opioids, such as:
- Mu-Receptor (MOR): Most opioids that linked to these receptors makes them more focus to improve the development and curse for opioid abuse
- Kappa-Receptor (KOR): These receptors play an essential role in receiving chemicals that regulate the mood. This is linked to other mental issues like anxiety and depression which can affect someone’s mood
- Delta-Receptor (DOR): These receptors function the same with MOR and KOR. There are ongoing studies for scientists to prove the relationship between chronic pain and mental illness which involved the DOR receptor.
Where Does It Go?
If this substance is abused, it can bring a negative impact on different systems in the body. Here are the most common areas linked with opioid use.
The Brain
It binds from several parts of the brain to enhance comfort and to promote sleepy feeling. It is also used by the brain stem to improve breathing and coughing. The effects help the body to reduce stress which is the main reason why it produces endorphins.
The Nervous System
Opioids bind the nerve in the spinal cord. It is also responsible for pain-sensing nerves within the body. Opioids are used to eliminate the sensation of pain. Once an opioid is bound to any of the receptors, it will essentially instruct the nerve to prioritize other signals to cover the pain. If the pain signals are not sent with other receptors, the pain is not being felt by the person.
The Digestive Tract System
One of the most common effects of opioid treatment arises when this substance starts to bind to the digestive tract system. An opioid-induced bowel dysfunction or OBID is an illness that is linked by a group of intestinal issues. Most often, opioids cause constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, and other severe problems if used for a long time.
Dependency in Opioid
Your body is naturally producing its opioids known as endorphins. These substances create runner high during a long race competition and give the feel-good effect after doing physical activities. Because of the powerful impact that it can provide to the body, you only need a little amount of this substance to acquire the maximum effect. But if someone is regularly using opioids, then it can cause addiction which makes the opioid harmony within becoming unstable.
If you suspect yourself, family members, friends, or loved ones having a problem with the effect of opioid as a prescribed medicine, please visit http://drugrehabpompano.org for immediate professional help.
