Heroin

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  • Created by: ayahm96
  • Created on: 13-03-15 18:04

Heroin | Mode of Action

Heroin works by mimicking natural opiates.

When it is taken, it is converted into a large dose of morphine, a natural opiate, in the brain.

These opiates block the mu-opioid receptor sites and prevent the neurotransmitter GABA from entering the synapse.

This means that dopamine is free to be released into the synapse.

Dopamine then attaches to the dopamine receptor sites and the heroin user will experience a rush of euphoria and wellbeing.

mimics natural opiates > converted into morphine > blocks receptor sites, preventing GABA > dopamine released > euphoria and wellbeing

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