Heroin psychology A2 0.0 / 5 ? PsychologyHealth and clinical psychologyA2/A-levelEdexcel Created by: CorinnaxoCreated on: 18-01-15 12:55 Basics Synthetic opiate (man made drug) Chemically altered form of morphine Pain relief (analgesic) Most commonly injected but can be taken in many other ways 1 of 7 Mode of action Heroin is an opiate so attaches to opioid receptors (mu-opioid) which endorphins usually use Mimic endorphins so heroin is an agonist. Endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmiters which block pain receptors When heroin attaches to mu-opioid recptors, GABA is released This then stimulates dopamine in parts of the brain The key area of the brain which is affected is the nucleas accumbens (part of the brain's reward system) 2 of 7 Short term effects Massive release of endorphins causes pain relief, relaxation and euphoria It is a depressant, so as a result, breating slows and becomes more shallow, heart rate slows and you feel sleepy Peripheral blood vessels dilate so you feel warm, flushed and sweaty Initial feelings of nausea are supressed 3 of 7 Biological dependence Biological dependence develops quickly Brain gets used to heroin quickly A first time user has very mild withdrawal symptoms Regular user has to take heroin to avoid extreme withdrawal symptoms which makes heroin taking a vicious cycle 4 of 7 Tolerance Pain killing effects and euphoria develop tolerance very quickly Dosage size increases rapidly to maintain effects (tenfold in 4 months) A regular heroin user takes enough heroin to kill a non user As tolerance increases, cross tolerance to other opioids also increase Low sex drive Dogestive system slows down=constipation 5 of 7 Psychological dependence Dependency gets worse -user can't cope without a fix Becomes less satisfied with other aspects of life over time Obsessed with getting the next fix Becomes agitated, confused, anxious, restless and paranoid These symptoms are all relieved with more heroin 6 of 7 Withdrawal symptoms Occurs 6-12 hours after the last fix The peak of withdrawal symptoms lasts for 25-72 hours Usually over within a week Symptoms relate to the level of addiction Symptoms include pain, nausea, sweating, diarrhoea, extreme anxiety, depression and psychotic episodes 7 of 7
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