Introduction

• Opiates have contributions that have helped humanity as well as devastated certain parts of the population. Opiates are narcotics that come from opium, or are a synthetic compound with the same properties as opium. Opiates range from legal under prescription drugs such as codeine, morphine or methadone, to illegal substances such as heroin. All opiates are restricted under the DEA scheduling system.
  
  

Opiate Receptors

• Opiates work by targeting the opiate receptors in the brain. When opiates are introduced into the body, regardless of the method, they find their way into the bloodstream. This carries the opiate to the brain. Once at the brain, the opiates attach themselves to the receptors in the brain that are responsible for pain. Naturally, your body normally uses these receptor sites to bind with endorphins and enkephalins, both natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Since an opiate user can introduce the synthetic pain killer of the opiate drug, the body can have access to pain blocking chemicals whenever it wants. This is what commonly leads the body to addiction.
  
  

Hormones

• Opiates can also work on a hormonal level. This is why many opiate users experience a dramatic drop in sex drive after using even prescription opiates. This is largely because opiates can decrease the amount of neurotransmitters and hormones released in your body that regulate your libido.