Mind Over Matter - Teacher's Guide

Opiates

Opiates are powerful drugs derived from the poppy plant that have been used for centuries to relieve pain. They include opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine. Even centuries after their discovery, opiates are still the most effective pain relievers available to physicians for treating pain. Although heroin has no medicinal use, other opiates, such as morphine and codeine, are used in the treatment of pain related to illnesses (for example, cancer) and medical and dental procedures. When used as directed by a physician, opiates are safe and generally do not produce addiction. But opiates also possess very strong reinforcing properties and can quickly trigger addiction when used improperly.

• Mechanism of Action
  Opiates elicit their powerful effects by activating opiate receptors that are widely distributed throughout the brain and body.
  
  
• Opiates Activity One
  The student will learn the way in which opiates alter the function of nerve cells.
  
  
• Opiates Activity Two
  The student will learn how opiates produce an analgesic effect.
  
  
• Opiates Activity Three
  The student will become more familiar with neuroscience concepts and terminology associated with the effects of opiates on the brain.