In terms of controlling dopamine signals between nicotine and opiates are almost similar based on the testing done by Prof. Daniel McGehee, when nicotine was tested in the that particular part of the nucleus accumbens where opiates have been demonstrated to affect behavior, given the fact that these are two different drugs. The research has complemented previous studies that showed overlapping effects in the way two drugs work, in the hope that it will help identify new treatment methods in addiction. It also demonstrated that tobacco addiction is as equally serious in the same way an individual is hooked on to heroin.

‘Opiate’ is derived from the opium seed. ‘Morphine’, ‘codeine’, ‘heroin’ are among the most common drugs that are derived as ‘opiates’. ‘Morphine’ has a similar chemical composition and chemical structure to that of the ‘heroin’. It stops pain, abridges anxiety, and makes the user euphoric if taken in significantly high doses. The use of the drug affects the cells of the cranial nerves that bring forth natural painkillers or endorphins called “endogenous opiates.”

Opiate

Usually, painkiller addiction starts when somebody starts with managing the pain unintentionally after a surgical procedure or injury. When the pain is gone, dependence on the drug sets in. Upon intake, normal function stops as the body ceases to produce these endorphins. Opiates can be ingested orally, smoked or sniffed. The cells of the cranial nerves deteriorate, and the body becomes dependent on the external supply of opiates. The sudden rush quickly relaxes the user, and drifts between various consciousnesses levels, feeling alert to being dopey to and fro. When intravenously injected, pleasure can be attained fast and instantaneously.

Though derivatives of opium have been in use for centuries as an efficient analgesic, it is not implied that it is safe. Initially, the effects include restlessness, nausea and vomiting. Some of the unpleasant effects a person has to be aware of are physical and psychological dependency, muscle spasms, respiratory and gastrointestinal dysfunctions, low blood pressure, drowsiness, disorientation and state of comatose. Overdose may cause breathing to slow down, or even death. Physically, the pupils become smaller; the skin becomes moist, cold and ashen in color. Withdrawal symptoms are agitation; anxiety; tremors; muscle aches; hot and cold flashes; sometimes nausea, extremely uncontrollable vomiting, and diarrhea. The dose and speed are directly related on the degree of the reaction to withdrawal. Opiates and heroin have spontaneous intense reactions upon intake, but the symptoms are brief.

On the other hand, nicotine is an alkaloid poison found in tobacco. It’s used medically and as an insecticide. It is equally addicting as opiates. It affects the brain, making it hard for people to break the habit, the hardest, in fact, in the history of drug dependency. Similar to opiates, withdrawal is unpleasant. Some of the symptoms are irritability, anxiety, depression, impatience, hostility, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, slow heart rate, and weight gain.

All tobacco products are addicting. Nicotine is the drug that draws a person to addiction. The study of drugs proved that the prominent behavioral aspects of nicotine addiction have been identified as similar to heroin and cocaine. The body reacts to the chemical immediately when a person smokes. It increases the blood pressure, heart rate, speeds up blood circulation, arteries contract and worse is lung cancer. The carbon monoxide content of tobacco products combined with nicotine reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Nicotine in the blood may stay from two to eight hours depending on how heavy the smoker is. The metastasis starts from the liver, then through the kidney and excreted in the form of urine.

This article is the property of http://www.HealthHype.com
Copying and publishing any article from our site is strictly NOT allowed