What happens to your brain when you take heroin?
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Heroin is a µ-opioid agonist, which is a substance that binds to a receptor, triggering a reaction in the cell. In this case, it acts on endogenous (ie produced inside the cell) µ-opioid receptors that are spread throughout the brain, spinal cord and gut in almost all mammals. The body responds to heroin in the brain by reducing (and sometimes stopping) production of the endogenous opioids when heroin is present. Endorphins are regularly released in the brain and nerves and weaken pain. The reduced endorphin production in heroin users creates a dependence on the heroin. This is why, when users stop taking the drug, they experience pain even when there's no physical trauma. |
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