The brain-addiction connection : Opiate addiction – Heroin, morphine, oxycontin and more
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Okay, we’ve talked about meth and cocaine and how they affect the brain. As I mentioned, both cocaine and meth interfere with the way the brain stores and cleans up important neurotransmitters, including, most importantly, Dopamine and Norepinephrine.
The class of drugs known as opiates, which includes morphine, heroin, codeine, and all their derivatives (including oxycontin), acts on the brain in a completely different manner. Let’s turn our attention to this opiate addiction next.
Heroin, morphine, oxycontin, vicodin and other opiates
While cocaine and meth work by disrupting the normal functioning of molecules responsible for cleaning up released neurotransmitters, opiates work by activating actual receptors that naturally occuring neurotransmitters activate. Substance like this are known as agonists; they perform the same action (identically or to a lesser, or greater extent) as a substance the body already manufactures.
In the case of morphine, heroin, and most other opiates, the most important receptors activated are known
as µ-opioid receptors. Activation of the µ-opioid receptors is associated with analgesia (suppression of pain), sedation, and euphoria, which makes sense given the relaxing, pleasure inducing effects of opiates.
Natural opioids (also called endogenous opioids), which include endorphins, are used by the body to relieve pain and increase relaxation, especially during periods of extreme stress. These are the chemicals that make sure we can function during accidents, like after breaking our leg…
Opioids also increase the amount of dopamine in the brain indirectly. As I mentioned in the earlier posts, dopamine is thought to be the reward indicator in the brain. Unlike meth and cocaine, heroin and its relatives increase the activity of dopamine neurons by releasing the hold that other neurons (that use GABA) have on them. Think of this as the release of pressure on a hose spraying water on a lawn. When the pipe is pinched, only so much water can get through, but once the clasp is released, water can flow in greater quantity; this is essentially what opiates do.
Like I said before, this doesn’t sound so bad, does it? All we’re talking about here is the increasing of the functioning of system that already exists in the brain. The problem isn’t so much in the process, the problem starts when this system gets activated for long periods of time.
Heroin addicts, and other frequent users of opiates complain about the extreme discomfort they feel when they stop using the drugs. This discomfort has been described as the worse case of the flu you could imagine. Doesn’t sound too appealing, does it? In fact, withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping opiate use are at least one of the main reasons many users return to the drug after trying to clean up. This in addition to all the other effects of the drug on the brain to make wanting to stop so much harder.
The reason for the pains and aches? Given the overactivation of its pain suppression system, the body not only reduces its own supply of opioids, but it also turns up the sensitivity on its pain receptors. Heroin users notice this as an increase in tolerance, but they compensate for it by simply using more. However, when they stop, they’re left with a body unable to suppress its own, hyper sensitive pain system. The results are more than uncomfortable, they’re simply excruciating…
Another common complaint of addicts is diarrhea. This, again, is simply the reversal of the constipation caused earlier by heroin’s actions on opioid receptors that are present in the peripheral system (outside the central nervous system).
I’ve heard addicts speak online about the slow recovery from opiate addiction and I want to dispell a myth here:
Opiates DO NOT stay in your system for weeks or months – The drug itself is gone from the body within days. The reason for the continued suffering is the slow adjustment of your brain and body back to the way things were before the drugs. Think of how long the tolerance took to develop… Now play the tape back in reverse. That’s what happening to you. You can help relieve the pain, but know that if you use anything in the opiate family, you’re making the process last much longer…
So, in summary: As usual, the actions of opiates on the body and brain are not all the severe, extreme, or inappropriate. Opiates are still used in medicine for pain suppression, not only because they work, but because the potential for abuse when used in this way are minimal to non-existent. However, as with all drugs, continued, chronic, abusive use of opiates will change the way your body functions in ways that will produce the exact opposite effects of those users like so much. This leaves people not only with possible addiction problems, but also with a terrifyingly uncomfortable return back to normal functioning.
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Tags: about addiction, addiction, addiction causes, addiction drugs, addiction help, addiction research, addiction study, codeine, diarrhea, dopamine, drug abuse, drug dependence, drug problems, drug use, drug use patterns, drug withdrawal, GABA, heroin, heroin addiction, morphine, my addiction, my drug, myth, opiate addiction, opiate withdrawals, opiates, oxycontin, oxycontin addiction, relapse, substance abuse, tolerance, vicodin withdrawal, withdrawal
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14 Responses to “The brain-addiction connection : Opiate addiction – Heroin, morphine, oxycontin and more”
Sorry, but I do no agree with your statement that opiates are gone from the system within days. Having dealt with drug detoxification for a number of years I have seen first hand the effects of drugs and toxins lodging in the fat tissues of the body, sometimes for years, and the resurgence of the body and emotional state of the individual once these substances are fully removed from the body. http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(06)00631-1/abstract is a portal to a full scientific study on this exact subject. Explanations of this concept in a more conversational style are also available at http://www.stopaddiction.com
By kayakotto on Jul 7, 2008
Dear Kayakotto,
First of all, thank you very much for commenting, I always welcome opinions and other informed comments.
I think you’ll agree that even if what you say is correct, the stored opiates would not be a reason for withdrawal symptoms but would actually slow down withdrawal. The point I was making specifically referred to the reason for the terrible process people experience when quitting opiates.
Now, while I agree that some substances can repose in lipid, or fat, tissue, the possible impact of these substances given their slow release and small quantities is most likely not very substantial, though it’s no doubt an issue.
The resurgence of emotional states related to drug use years after use can be the product of many things, including memories triggered by cues (triggers) that can put the brain in a state essentially identical to that experienced during use.
By the way, I can’t access the journal, but given its name “Medical Hypotheses” I’m supposing the study hasn’t been carried out but is instead being planned or thought of. I would be very interested in seeing the results when it does come out.
Again, thank you for your comment, I would love to hear more from you in the future.
By DrPsych on Jul 7, 2008
As someone who is in recovery for codependency to sexual addiction, I too, write about the brain in regard to codep behaviors. The repetitive behaviors themselves actually alter the dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels which creates the same addictive need as if it were an addiction to a substance. If your DOC is another person (sadly), when that person leaves, you experience withdrawal in a very real, physiological sense.
Interesting stuff.
By theotherbed on Jun 28, 2009
Thanks for the comment. I completely agree. In fact, in some of the posts about sex addiction and other behavioral addictions (like gambling, food addictions, etc.), I’ve about the many parallels between substance based addictions and others.
When it comes down to it, I think that the addiction help available, and appropriate, for all of these may likely be the same.
By Adi Jaffe on Jun 28, 2009
i was addicted to percs,oxis,and the methadone and the amount i did for so long i seem to have alot of pain in my legs and my mental state is basically fighting depression. i would do 15 10mg percs in one sitting and would do 3 80s in a sitting and then i started to take 10methadone pills in sittings so my addiction was bad and i want to completley get my life back bc to me the people around me matter and for about 2 1/2 years of this abuse was so much. But my question here is i havent done anything for over 2 weeks and i know i dont wanna go back but when will i get my life back both mentally and physically because i wanna be happy again and i will do whatever it takes. but please i need some help bc i want my life back completley.
By Skar on Oct 24, 2009
Hi Skar,
Sorry to hear about your trouble. The good news is that you’re past the hard withdrawal period. The bad news – full neurological recovery from any heavy long-term drug use can take years. In fact, even then, we’re not sure that the recovered activity is equal to that lost. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to make sure that you’re on track to give yourself the best chance at a full recovery.
Make sure you’re eating right and exercising. Giving your body everything it needs to be fully healthy will allow it to repair most quickly. Exercise will not only begin to restore your endorphin levels, but will also keep you occupied and distracted. Start out slow and build up. When it comes to nutrition, you may want to try some unconventional things and see how they make you feel. Check out for some healthy smoothies and dietary ideas.
I’d love to keep in touch and hear more about your progress.
Best,
Adi
By Adi Jaffe on Oct 27, 2009
Hi Adi. Thank you so much for replying its been about 3 weeks now and i am exercising and trying to eat all healthy foods. I’m finally sleeping better but i do still have pain mostly in my legs.thank you so much for answering and i will keep in touch. thanks again
By Skar on Oct 31, 2009
Hi Adi. Im just turning 28 this November 9th. Ive been on percs and some hydro for nearly 6-7 years. Ive been successful with suboxen about 9 monthes ago for 2 monthes and stoped. Thought I could take 1 perc 10 and be ok, but nope. I got back to doing more then before. I hate it and my life. I lost my true love due to lieing about my drug abuse. Iv’e tried cold turkey several times. Once i was clean for a month but the mental state brought me back to using. I am down to prob 20-40ml a day give or take. I use to take an easy 100ml or more a day everyday. My question is, for my semi young age, will my brain and mental state me able to heal better and quicker then some one much older? I just want to be normal soo bad. I don’t even remember what normal felt like. I wanna feel happy and not so sad and agrivated and get my appetite back. If you can give me some info on that question and maybe some tips how to get my health back and how to control my cravings in the long run once i quit again which will be any day. Thanks!
By Dman on Nov 7, 2009
Hey Dman,
The short answer is this: Yes you can get back to normal (or pretty damn close to it, enough that you won’t notice the difference), but it’s going to take some time. Why don’t you email me directly for some more specific advice (hit the contact me page).
In the meantime – If you have health insurance and can see a doctor, get back on some form of buprenorphine (suboxone and such) and start taking care of your health in other ways. The best thing you can do is to get yourself into a medical detox place for help with the first week and then use suboxone to help you as you start reestablishing your life.
Again, email me and we’ll talk more specifically about your situation,
Best
Adi
By Adi Jaffe on Nov 7, 2009
I have been reading everyones story. Recovering is very painful. I have been clean from oxys/tabs since Dec 13th 2009 and I still wonder if I am ever going to start feeling better. Yes the actual withdrawal/sickness is gone but I still have hardly any energy and barely any sleep at night causing me to become very irritable. I used for about 6yrs. My dr was prescribing me 240 tabs and 60 oxys a month and those were going like candy.. I built up a tolerance like no other!! Now I am paying for it..I can honestly say that I have stood strong and never allowed my mind to start craving..bc this is the longest I have ever gone and I have a mind set that if I have come this far it would be completely ignorant of me to throw it all away..Has anyone successfully accomplished the whole recovery process? And…Anything to help me relax?
I would appreciate any kind of suggestions I can get…thanks && good luck to everyone
By Carri on Jan 9, 2010
Hi Carri,
Thanks for your bravery in quitting and in coming out and telling us about it. Initial recovery from any long term drug use is har. Your body was used to being pumped full of extra opioids and dopamine and now that’s all gone. It’s going to take a while to recover it’s normal state, but it’ll all be worth it when you no longer need oxy’s to function.
I would strongly suggest seeing a doctor who knows about addiction and looking into a low dose of buprenorphine (suboxone or subutex). It’ll help rebalance your neurobiological system and with supervision you can slowly taper off it. There’s no high (as long as you stay committed to the process and take as prescribed). Email me if you want more information and help at the “talk-to-me” page.
Either way, good luck! You’re a brave woman.
By Adi Jaffe on Jan 10, 2010
Dear Carri,
Congrats on getting to where you are. I went to a rapid detox clinic in sept. so I have been off opiates for almost 4 months. I still get thoughts of doing a pill occasionally, but all I have to do is think about how opiates screwed up my life and do I really want to go there again.
In response to Adi Jaffe comment on suboxone, PLEASE whatever you do do not ever start on suboxone or subutex. You have gotten this far, do not get onto a drug that is just as hard, if not harder to get off of than the drugs you were on.
They are bad news.
Adi might think he/she may be helping with that suggestion but it is wrong.
Stay clean, you are one of the few.
good luck
By Davidh on Jan 29, 2010
David,
Thank you for writing. Do you have any personal experiences with either Suboxone or Subutex? If so, I’d love to hear about them. From my vantage point, those two drugs are very good candidates for early recovery.
No one should start using them 4 months after being clean without some very specific circumstances, but as ways to help someone get to the 4 month mark, they’ve proven very useful.
By Adi Jaffe on Jan 29, 2010
I was on hydrocodone 10/325 for several years (X’s 8/day). When I stopped taking it I didn’t ecperience withdrawls, but my Dr gave me Suboxone. I was not familiar with this drug and had a seizure the VERY same day he gave it to me. Still unaware of the interaction with Clonazepam (Resless Leg Syndrome), I continued taking it as precsribed. Three days later I had a 2nd seizure. This time my children were removed from my care as DSS (I think) assumed I was overdosing or something although I’d not been on hydrocodone for over 2 weeks…
I would NOT reccomend Suboxone. You don’t need it. Just be strong, you can beat this!
By NO to Suboxone! on Jan 31, 2010