The brain has billions of nerve cells, which are also found throughout the whole body. These nerve cells forming a network system called nervous system. Central nervous system is located in the brain while peripheral nervous system located in the other part of the body. This network system function in signal transmission within the body. For example, once a signal is produced in part of the brain, the signal will be transmitted via the network from that part of the brain to the targeted body parts to be activated. This transmission has been made possible by the presence of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are released by a nerve cell to the adjacent nerve cell when a signal is to be transmitted.
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| Large picture shows a group of nerve cells, small picture shows the chemical messengers, neurotransmitter (yellow colour in the picture), between each end of 2 different nerve cells |
Opioids mimic these chemicals messengers, therefore, able to initiate the signal transmission process within the brain. Opioids tend to induce euphoria/feeling of pleasure by stimulating the brain regions that mediate pleasure. In the brain, there is some parts of the nervous system served as reward pathways. Under normal conditions, the pathways control an individual's responses to natural rewards, such as food, sex, and social interactions, and is therefore an important factor of motivation and drive. In simple words, activation of the pathways tells the individual to repeat what he/she just did to get that reward. In the case of opioids, euphoria is the reward. It also tells the memory centers in the brain to pay particular attention to all features of that rewarding experience, so it can be repeated in the future. The opioid activates the reward pathways leading to repeated abuse , hence addiction.
Drug abuse in long term may result in structural changes in the brain leading to behavioural changes and health problems. The brain becomes conditioned to the consumption of opioid so much that his/her main aim in life is only to get it. This will result in compulsive behaviour in which the users are unable to control self and make sound decision. The body also becomes physically dependent on it. When the opioid are taken away, the users often experience withdrawal symptoms such as restless, muscle and bone pain, cold, diarrhea, vomiting etc..
Addiction is not solely a chaotic mind that people often get it wrong by thinking that it is due to a lack of will power or due to the moral failing. It is actually a disease arising from the physiological process occurs in the body, which is initiated by the opioid. Therefore, it is important to know that seeking professional and proper treatment is really necessary to cure it. The treatment is very available and recovery is more than possible. Generally, the treatment programme will consist of detoxification, management of withdrawal and prevention of relapses by medications and behavioural therapies. Good support from family, friends and loved ones are really helpful. Another important point in addiction management is that relapse is not a reason to be despair. It is actually an opportunity to learn what triggers that should be avoided.
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