How does heroin work in the brain

May 12, 2015

How does heroin work in the brain: The truth about Heroin Addiction?

How does heroin work in the brain? the brain must function normally at all cost and effects of heroin to it must be corrected timely

When you ask me this question how does heroin work in the brain? I will respond to help you not get confused as to whether heroin is good for your health or otherwise. You cannot gamble with your life and most importantly your health. For your information, this I the most valuable asset one can ever possess in life. When experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center say that your health is your health, it is not a gimmick. It is a confirmed fact and you can attest to it even as a layman. Heroin as a drug has nothing to offer in the protection to this most valuable yet priceless asset called health. And just to erase the confusion from your mind if any, doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center explains that, under normal circumstance the human body will naturally produce its own opiate-like substances and uses them as neurotransmitters. Allow me to repeat that in a different way, I have not said heroin but substances like opiate. Now listen and get some of the substances am alluding to. These substances may include endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphin and collectively they are commonly known as endogenous opioids. Endogenous opioids modulate our reactions to painful stimuli and this is where many go wrong and are attempting to associate heroin with proper functionality of the brain. That aside these endogenous also regulate vital functions such as hunger and thirst and are involved in mood control, immune response, and other processes.

And now as to the reason why opiates like heroin and morphine are affecting us so powerfully is that, these exogenous substances bind to the same receptors as our endogenous opioids. There are three kinds of receptors widely distributed throughout the brain including the mu, delta, and kappa receptors.
These receptors through the second messengers, influences the likelihood that ion channels will open, which in certain cases reduces the excitability of neurons. This reduced excitability is the likely source of the euphoric effect of opiates and appears to be mediated by the mu and delta receptors.

This euphoric effect also appears to involve another mechanism in which the GABA-inhibitory interneurons of the ventral tegmental area come into play. By attaching to their mu receptors, exogenous opioids reduce the amount of GABA released. Remember that in under normal circumstances, GABA reduces the amount of dopamine released in the nucleus accumbens. By inhibiting this inhibitor, the opiates ultimately increase the amount of dopamine produced and the amount of pleasure felt. Besides that doctor Akoury says that the chronic consumption of opiates inhibits the production of cAMP. However this inhibition will be offset in the long run by other cAMP production mechanisms. When no opiates are available, this increased cAMP production capacity comes to the fore and results in neural hyperactivity and the sensation of craving the drug.

How does heroin work in the brain: Heroin Effects on the Brain?

This is one great concern that many people are yearning to understand and for sure most people have realize that addictive drugs affect the body, but they always fail to realize that the effects of heroin on the brain can be very powerful and devastating. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center this will all starts when the heroin users takes their first dose of heroin. This will put the roller coaster in motion and sets them up for long term addiction to heroin. Remember that the initial rush of euphoria is produced by a flood of powerful opiates being sent to the brain eventually becomes the new bar for feeling good. Over time, the brain comes to demand the same level of extra opiates in order to pass that communication to the body that everything is fine. Without the extra boost of opiates, the brain shifts into panic mode, and alerts the body that more opiates are needed in order to feel normal. Thus the addiction is propagated from the level of starving opiate receptors in the brain.

How does heroin work in the brain: How does Heroin Addiction Change the Brain?

It is very sad that we all want to live well yet we often don’t do what will make us live the life we all desire. Like for instance, the brain is one of the pillar organs of good health. When the brain is healthy the whole body is too however most addicts do not realize that consistent abuse of heroin figuratively changes the brain over time. This is one of the most profound effects heroin has on the brain, because it is essentially permanent if the heroin addict has abused the drug for several years. For a better understanding, doctor Akoury explains what will happen. She says that a normal person has a certain level of dopamine that is produced on a regular basis that is trickled out to their brain so that they can simply feel normal as they go about their business. For example, after and during vigorous exercise, the body is slowly releasing small bits of this natural dopamine to the brain, so that the person can feel a bit better in spite of their hard work which is also a basic, biological survival mechanism.

How does heroin work in the brain: The Dangers of Heroin Use on the Brain?

When an addict starts using heroin every single day, what that person’s brain is basically saying is that “hey just a minute here, and then the body communicates that it is being constantly flooded with extra opiates and dopamine, so there is no need for it to produce any more naturally by itself as it should normally. I am getting all that I need and more.” And so over time, if the heroin addict continues doing heroin for years and decades, they slowly train their own body to stop all natural dopamine production. Because heroin addiction is so dangerous and has so many risks involved with long term use, most heroin addicts never make it to this end stage where their body has ceased making natural dopamine. But those who do are stuck in a predicament where their body is always going to be a bit starved for natural opiates, just so that they can feel normal. In such cases, drug maintenance therapy with a synthetic opiate is usually recommended.

Finally this phenomenon should demonstrate the power that heroin use can have, as it is actually one of the physical effects of heroin on the brain. Other effects may also include craving and the fact that heroin can literally change the chemistry of the brain over time, and grip the addict ever deeper into the clutches of heroin drug addiction thereby necessitating the need for you to seek for help with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

How does heroin work in the brain: The truth about Heroin Addiction?

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes

May 12, 2015

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: The Bad Effects to Health

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes are only helpful when the individual patients are not in denial of their conditions

Heroin withdrawal effects and coping modes are some of the elements that most addicts are afraid of and this is really affecting their recovery process. With this attitude treatment becomes very difficult because one has to begin by first convincing the addicts to accept registering for the program. Some of the pertinent questions we should be asking ourselves now that we are aware that heroin withdrawal and coping modes are the problems include the following: what are the actual effects of these heroin withdrawal symptoms – and how do they impact the long-term health and well-being of the individual patients? As an institution (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury’s care) we are on top of things and our objective is to kick out all manner of addictions from our societies. That is why we only post worthy health articles tailored to helping our clients get the much needs health solutions. Therefore in this article, we have particularly designed it to convey health information in the simplest language to help in shedding some light on the impact of heroin withdrawal and also to help those who are going through the process en route to their recovery whether you are directly or indirectly affected.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: Withdrawal from Heroin can lead to Discomfort

There are a number of uncomfortable side effects that accompany heroin withdrawal. These symptoms are not all that life threatening as is always the general rule, but all the same they are the leading reason why individuals relapse or add urgency to their search for that “next fix.” Some of the uncomfortable heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

Restlessness
Sleeplessness
Anxiety
Sweating
Chills
Fever
Twitching

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: The Effects of Heroin Withdrawals can lead to Emotional Issues

Besides the known physical discomfort that goes hand in hand with heroin withdrawal, doctor Akoury says that there are a number of mental health issues that the individual may experience as well, such may include the following:

Depression
Anxiety
Suicidal thoughts
Sudden mood swings
Irritability

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: Heroin Withdrawal can lead to relapse

Of course, the most serious effect of heroin withdrawal is relapse, since the individual addicts are not able to live with the discomfort of withdrawal. To escape from this discomforting experience in many instances they will turn to the only thing that they know best that can provide relief which is more heroin even though they are struggling to stop their addiction to the drug itself. This is the reason why most if not all heroin rehab programs insist that the individuals must first complete the heroin detox process before they can be allowed to moving on into the main population of the facility. The risk of relapse is simply too great without it.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: How long do Heroin Withdrawal Effects last?

It may not be convenient to point out with confidences the time frame that one will last in heroin withdrawal. However the duration and intensity of heroin withdrawal effects will depend greatly on the individual addict and their particular situation. Those individuals who have been using heroin habitually for many years are likely to experience stronger withdrawal symptoms than those who have only been using it for a short period of time. As a general rule however, the individual who is engaged in natural heroin detox can expect their withdrawal symptoms to last anywhere from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks depending on the severity of their heroin addiction.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: Helping Cope with the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin

Individuals who are coping with heroin withdrawal can benefit greatly from the care of treatment workers and professionals. Whether at a heroin detox center or a drug rehab program, these heroin addiction treatment experts know how to provide comfort and medical care that ensures the individual stays safe while getting rid of this dangerous drug.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: Bad Heroin and Its Effects on Your Health

There is no doubt that there is no positive health effects derived from heroin use. In fact, heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and is not available by prescription or for medical use. Heroin is illegal, which means that heroin production and distribution is completely uncontrolled. Every bag you buy is completely different from the last because it is cut differently and has a different potency. This means that even the most seasoned heroin addicts end up in the hospital or dead due to heroin overdose. Doctor Akoury and her team of experts stands with the principle that heroin is bad from the beginning to end and that should also be your position.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: Health Conditions Associated with Heroin

There are a number of bad health effects of heroin. Infectious, blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C are especially common among those who are regularly injecting heroin using needles and share those needles with other users. Those who use needles intravenously also will experience collapsed veins and those who use intramuscularly are more likely to develop abscesses. Infections of the heart lining and valves is also a common issue among needle users, and even those who smoke or snort the drug open themselves up to kidney and liver failure and respiratory illnesses. The decreased defenses and overall health of a heroin addict means an increased rate of illnesses like pneumonia and permanent damage to vital organs.

Finally realizing that more deaths are being registered annually due to various kinds of addiction, Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This is the place to be for the very best in your addiction recovery. Take that bold healthy step and schedule for that lifesaving appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today.

Heroin Withdrawal Effects and Coping modes: The Bad Effects to Health

How does heroin use affect pregnant women

April 24, 2015

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Protecting the Unborn Babies from Drug Abuse?

How does heroin use affect pregnant women. It increase in premature delivery, low birth weight and death around the time of delivery.

Life begins at conception and protection of that life begins even before conception. That is why getting it is important that when one is planning to get a baby they must make sure that they are free from any kind of drug. Just like the young children should be brought up in a drug free environment, the unborn babies should also find the environment where they are going to dwell in on conception to be free from drugs. One may be wondering how heroin or any other drug can affect the child in the womb, if this concerns you, then you are at the right place because that is what we are going to discuss under the topic “how does heroin use affect pregnant women.” Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care are explaining certain points for our understanding as follows.

Doctor Akoury who is also the founder of the facility states that parental drug misuse can have an effect on the development of the fetus and long-term consequences for growing children. Some effects may be physical, but the most important ones will occur during the development of the mind and brain of the child. It is important to appreciate that some of these effects may not be visible, and, in some cases, the impact on the child´s development and behavior may not be noticeable for some years.

Although damage to the fetus can occur at any stage of the pregnancy, the first three months are the most vulnerable period for congenital malformations, while brain growth is most rapid late in pregnancy. The effects on the unborn child include:

Chromosomal abnormalities
Structural malformations (e.g. cleft palate)
Intrauterine growth retardation
Functional impairment (e.g. deafness)
Behavioral abnormalities (e.g. hyperactivity) and
Learning difficulties.

In addition, a high proportion of newborn babies, especially those whose mother used heroin before conception, will suffer withdrawal symptoms which may last up to several months and which will include:

Tremors
High muscle tone
Irritability
Diarrhea
Vomiting and
Abnormal feeding and sleep patterns

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Heroin?

Experts carrying out studies in various have not established any clear evidence that heroin causes malformations to the fetus, nonetheless there is an increase in premature delivery, low birth weight and death around the time of delivery. Forty to eighty per cent of babies will develop a withdrawal syndrome lasting from several days to several months. The children tend to grow normally afterwards, although small head circumference may persist. There is no clear evidence of abnormal brain development in most of the children studied. Although methadone can be substituted for heroin, it may be more beneficial for the mother, and more toxic for the newborn.

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Cocaine, crack cocaine (coke, snow)

There is considerable disagreement amongst medical experts as to whether cocaine or crack causes congenital malformations, but small head size, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, stillbirths, heart defects, abnormal bone development and neonatal withdrawal syndrome have been noted. Some studies have reported learning disorders and attention deficit at three years of age; however, longer-term follow up is needed to establish the importance of these effects.

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Amphetamines?

They include methamphetamine, speed and Ecstasy, and are known to cause maternal anorexia, hypertension and reduced blood flow to the placenta. There is no conclusive evidence so far that amphetamines cause congenital malformations, but there is a risk of intrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery. It is thought that withdrawal symptoms may develop. There is no clear evidence that prenatal amphetamine exposure causes long-term effects on growth and development.

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Cannabis (marijuana, Indian hemp, hashish?)

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in pregnant women, but little is known about its effects during pregnancy. There is conflicting data about the association of cannabis with congenital malformations and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. One long-term study found that the speech and memory performance among four-year olds whose mothers had consumed cannabis daily or several times a week during pregnancy was affected significantly

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Looking forward for Diagnosis

Diagnosing babies and young children as affected by parental drug misuse and predicting likely outcomes is very hard to establish. This is partly due to the lack of conclusive research to date and to the fact that it is nearly impossible to accurately determine the type, amount and timing in pregnancy for each substance used especially as users often combine different drugs together, sometimes with alcohol.

Substance misuse is also frequently associated with poverty, physical or mental health issues, poor medical care and diet, which makes it even more difficult to clearly establish correlations between cause and effect. The most important thing to remember is that, by providing a stable, loving home for children affected by drugs and offering them good parenting, optimal nutrition, and appropriate stimulation, health care and educational opportunities, you can help them to reach their full potential.

Finally the innocent babies must not be subjected to such harsh toxic environment when there is something we can do to prevent this and be free from the harms of addiction. Doctor Akoury and her team of experts have been offering addiction solutions to many people and your condition will be handled professionally on if you can make that very important decision of scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today.

How does heroin use affect pregnant women: Protecting the Unborn Babies from Drug Abuse?

Tag Archives: Heroin and Pregnancy