PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Mesolimbic Pathway, Cerebral Cortex, Cough Reflex
Document Summary
Opioids consist of psychoactive substances that elicit pharmacological effects by acting on opioid receptors in the central nervous system (cns) and other parts of the body. They are among the most effective pain-relieving meds. The term narcotic, fro(cid:373) the lati(cid:374) (cid:374)ar(cid:272)oti(cid:272)us, (cid:449)hi(cid:272)h (cid:373)ea(cid:374)s (cid:862)sleep-i(cid:374)du(cid:272)i(cid:374)g,(cid:863) refers to the sedative effects of drugs and generally serves as a synonym for opioids. Overall, the term narcotic is used commonly by laypersons, lawmakers, and law enforcement but holds little value as a precise term for use by scientists. The prevalence of opioid abuse occurs not only because of its reinforcing effects but also because of its ease of access; we find increased heroin use in the united states. Further, we find use spreading from urban to suburban areas, and it has more than doubled among non-hispanic white americans, with use slightly lower for other racial or ethnic groups.
