HOW OPIOIDS WORK

Opioids Raise Dopamine Levels

All substances of abuse ultimately affect the dopamine pathway in the reward center of our brain. Many substances do so through opioid receptors. Opioids boost dopamine levels by stimulating molecules called mu opioid receptors that sit on the surface of certain neurons. Normally, these receptors are activated by hormones and brain chemicals made in the body, such as endorphins (endogenous opioids), to reinforce pleasurable behavior such as eating, having sex or listening to music. A single dose of heroin releases many times the amount of dopamine that is produced by a favorite food or song.

THE PLAYERS

 

Dopamine Production

 

 

Dopamine Regulation

 

 

 

GABA Regulation

 

 

 

 

 

Opioids Inhibit GABA Release, Leading to
Excessive Release of Dopamine

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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LOCATIONS

East Coast

  • Southern Tier
  • Southern Chenango County Recovery Resources
  • Sherburne-Earlville

West Coast

  • Los Angeles

 

 

CONTACT

Truth Pharm, Inc
PO Box 424
Binghamton, NY 13902

49 Pine St. Suite 6
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-296-3016

info@TruthPharm.org