Is Heroin addictive & why? / Why is Heroin addictive?

Question

this is for homework.

Answer 1

Addictive drugs have two things in common. They produce an initial pleasurable effect followed by a rebound unpleasant effect. Heroin and other opiates mimic certain chemicals that are present in the brain (.e.g., endorphins and enkephalins) that block pain and induce a feeling of pleasure. These chemicals are released in larger quantities when we have sex, exercise, laugh or do enjoyable work (the "natural highs").

Heroin and other opiate drugs produce these same good feelings. However, unlike the "endogenous opiates" that we produce ourselves, a tolerance is built up to heroin and similar drugs so that it takes more and more to get the pleasurable feeling. When the person fails to take the drugs, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms occur.

These brain cells represent a simplified way of looking at the BRAIN'S REWARD SYSTEM. On the left we see the various drives and needs of the body; sex, hunger, thirst and friendship. When these drives are satisfied, or when pain is relieved, a signal is sent to certain brain cells (the "monitor cell" on the left) which manufacture a chemical substance that signals reward. When these "monitor cells" have been stimulated, a signal is sent to the tip where a small amount of this reward chemical is released. The chemical (or neurotransmitter) then reaches and stimulates the reward center, causing a feeling of well-being.

Heroin produces as artificial feeling of pleasure. This is like having counterfeit money which will fit into the slot machine. When the drug comes in, it stimulates the reward center. This short circuits the survival mechanism, because the reward center cell can't tell the difference between the drug and the natural messenger.

The result is a dependence on the immediate, fast, predictable drug which, at the same time, short circuits interests in and the motivation to make life's normal rewards work.

Answer 2

The body responds to heroin in the brain by reducing (and sometimes stopping) production of the endogenous opioids when heroin is present. Endorphins are regularly released in the brain and nerves and attenuate pain. Their other functions are still obscure, but are probably related to the effects produced by heroin besides analgesia (antitussin, anti-diarrheal). The reduced endorphin production in heroin users creates a dependence on the heroin, and the cessation of heroin results in extremely uncomfortable symptoms including pain (even in the absence of physical trauma). This set of symptoms is called withdrawal syndrome. It has an onset 6 to 8 hours after the last dose of heroin.

Answer 3

Just stay away from Heroin. There was a clinic where Heroin addicts went right by a place across town from me. Man there were some sorry looking people hangin around there!

Answer 4

Heroin is a drug. Drugs are addictive. They damage your body- particularly the brain. Now, as your brain deteriorates, there is a feeling of pleasure, relaxation and similar feelings. Probably unconsciously, the user "seeks" this feeling and decides to try it.. again and again. It's basically the same with other drugs.

Answer 5

Scientific study has shown that it takes around 12 months to become PHYSICALLY addicted to heroin. However a psychological addiction can start nearly straight away.

Answer 6

* One of the most significant effects of heroin use is addiction. Once tolerance happens, higher does become necessary to achieve the desired effect, and physical dependence develops.

* Chronic use may cause collapsed veins, infection of heart lining and valves, abscesses, liver disease, pulmonary complications, and various types of pneumonia.

* May cause depression of central nervous system, cloudy mental functioning, and slowed breathing to the point of respiratory failure.

* Heroin overdose may cause slow and shallow breathing, convulsions, coma, and possibly death.

* Users put themselves at risk for contracting HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other viruses.

Answer 7

yes it is, just stay away from it, dont ever touch it