Opiates come from a class of drugs that include morphine, heroin and commonly prescribed pain relievers. Opiates resemble natural chemicals in the brain called opiate receptors, with each receptor providing a different function in the body. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that opiates have pleasure and pain-relieving effects as well as tranquilizing properties. Opiates however, may become highly addictive once used for a lengthy period of time.
Pain Relief
Opiate medication have been used for decades to relieve chronic pain relief. Their mechanism of action involves the activation of opiate receptors by medication introduced into the body. After ingested, opiates not only activate internal receptors but also another chemical known as endorphins. Opiates act in the spinal cord and brain to interfere with the transmission of the pain message. NIDA notes that the blockage of pain messages produced by opiates is referred to as analgesia.
Pleasure Effects
Opiates have a mechanism of action for pleasure in addition to offering pain relief. Prescription opiates are not intended for pleasure induction; however, illicit drugs such as heroin induce this response. NIDA explains that heroin enters the brain and converts to morphine. The morphine then attaches to opioid receptors involved in the experience of reward and arousal. Using too much heroin will lead to overdose of the drug and potential death.
Addiction
One of the most devastating effects of opiates comes in the form of addiction, which occurs after excessive use of a substance despite negative consequences of use. Opiate addiction lends itself to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in use. Withdrawal often feels excruciating to the user and leads the opiate addict back to seeking the drug that caused the addiction.
Sedating Effects
NIDA reports that opiates may have a tranquilizing effect in addition to providing pain relief. In some users, opiates calm a distressed mood by activating the central nervous system. Additional effects include drowsiness and disorientation.
