Opiates | Affects on the Brain

What do opioids actually do in the brain? In this enlightening interview, ER doctor / double board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Dom Sportelli, and MedCircle host, Kyle Kittleson, break down the neuroscience 101 education you need on opiate use disorder, and other opioid addiction basics.
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Discussion time codes:
00:00 Intro
00:42 Brain basics you need to know (serotonin vs dopamine vs endorphins)
02:05 The opiates that already exist in our brain (endorphins)
02:52 How the poppy plant imitates endorphins
03:40 Why opioids from a poppy plant are actually bad (How they impact the brain)
05:48 What happens when your brain gets "too much" of something? (IE opioids)
06:00 "Receptor down-regulation" and how it leads to drug tolerance
07:15 How it leads to withdrawal
08:49 The neuroscience of why quitting is so hard (how opioids change pain)
10:30 Key takeaways
12:04 how to watch more (detox, withdrawal, overdose management & more)
#OpioidCrisis #Addiction #MentalHealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #opiates #opiate #opiods

[@MedCircle]

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[@troythomas5803]

Opioid addiction is the worst. I stopped taking them after 8 years of use and had the worst withdrawal I have ever experienced. Every minute felt like an hour I was sweating and had the runs my emotions went crazy but here I am 9 months later and still clean. My heart goes out to anyone suffering opioid addiction.

[@davejohnson6702]

im glad u made it out alive 😊. i wish i could. ive tried many times the fight is very hard

[@niyahbrown5097]

Hats off too you. It isn't really hard, that's an understatement!! It's literally hell. Everyday I think I'm gona die. But withdraws are so bad I can't deal 😫. I am a human a mom a nurse a counselor a sister a granddaughter daughter wife and support person. I don't do to get high. I do to not get sick sad to say. I'm saving up for this ANR 🙌

[@davejohnson6702]

@@niyahbrown5097 keep fighting. i know how difficult it is. feels like your dieing i wish i could tell you something to make everything better. but unfortunately its just waiting. stay strong 💪🏽

[@niyahbrown5097]

@@davejohnson6702 thank you I appreciate it

[@-AxisA-]

Even if you don't have crazy withdrawals and just have minor ones, the emotions going crazy is just so weird to experience:D I can feel completely content/happy and then suddenyl I can just crying😂 Then I'm also laughing at the crying, because it's so absurd:D Like I will just physically cry and not even feel sad.

[@hguzman1898]

I’ve been fighting my addiction for years I still have hope that I will be at peace with my addiction hope is all I got left

[@MedCircle]

You've got this. 💙

[@mattbrock124]

IBOGAINE

[@micheletotton9342]

Wishing you success!!

[@MartinSage]

In the end it’s LIFE that you have.

[@666wilf]

This is got to be one of the best videos I have watched on addiction I have seen but I still say that you won't fully understand on how bad withdrawl is until you have been through it. Ex addicts do make the best counselors.

[@chiccavaquita]

Yes!

[@davidmark805]

Excellent explanation and so important to understand. I'm a support person for my son in his journey to control his opioid addiction and it's paramount that you understand the addict, the drug and the addiction. He is just 22 days clean and about a month and half away from a date to enter a three month rehab program. Videos like these are so valuable. Thanks for doing this.

[@LizbetPCB]

I wish health, peace and happiness to your son (and you, too!).

[@davidmark805]

@@LizbetPCB Thank you. It is a long and difficult journey. I feel so bad for the addicts that have nobody to advocate for them because there is no system that links the various organizations out there. We very much have a 'silo" system, each working in their own capacity. The long wait times for getting into rehab can be and at times are a death sentence for addicts. My son overdosed and almost died a month ago while waiting to go.

[@BigTex-gd2wx]

It will take years for the body to recover completely and from my experience the most severe part of withdraw is the digestive system returning to normal operation.

[@theartzscientist8012]

Your son needs to find something healthy to fill what is missing that the drugs seemed to fix for him.

[@davidmark805]

@@theartzscientist8012 ....first, thanks so much for your reply. Yes we've been having those discussions for the last while. He used meth along with smoking fentanyl. He developed a delusional disorder from the meth which led to a phycosis filled paranoid thoughts of the world tricking him, people after him and unfortunately acts of violence. His psychiatrist said that this is quite rare and my son is the first he's seen of this out of more than a 100 other meth users he's treated. The stage that he is at he sleeps a lot and is often lethargic, I'm getting him to start with exercise, going for a walk. He is also on 60mg of methadone a day along with one Kadian capsule, 100 mg I believe.

[@robertawinton9895]

I was taking tramadol for 3 years for my pain prior to back surgery. When I recovered from surgery I stopped taking tramadol which resulted in textbook withdrawal symptoms. My doctor did not know that this was a possibility so I did some research to discover this is exactly what I was suffering from. Finally after 2 weeks of withdrawal I am feeling better.

[@michaelbuckley1951]

Hi u mí

[@elizabethCorkins83]

I was 1st put on Tramadol when I was a teenager for a couple yrs. Then my 20s I was on Tramadol again till I was almost 30yrs old. It was a more break through type of pain med & not that strong for pain. When I was only on Tramadol, I was taking a lot of pills cuz they were 50mg per pill & I was at least 500mg a day. (2x 50mg per dose).

[@mramirez02004]

@@elizabethCorkins83blessins

[@unidaspandemia9936]

how u doin now@@elizabethCorkins83

[@andyp3834]

Oh snap, having a motorcycle accident at 23 I soon was addicted to pain killers, quit in 2005, then in 2020 I got involved in smoking herion, what a year! Clean for over a month now, omg, what a struggle it's been. Someone sue the Sackler family fortune and give me some recompense for losing my good job, wife, house, 401k and health. Take it from someone who lost everything to drugs, don't start!

[@unidaspandemia9936]

your comment hit hard, Hope u are doing well sir

[@albadelcastillo5575]

I love the dog sleeping on the floor Very interesting and easy to understand talk by the way this was very eye-opening

[@dogthatshags]

Thank you for this. As an addict since 1992, I’ve been thru 20yrs of disgusting methadone which nearly killed me to now getting a monthly shot of Buvidal, which is changing my life for the better and I’m feeling ‘normal’ for the first time since ‘92. Good luck everyone, but it is possible. Melbourne Australia

[@Mustang1984]

Amazing. I've been on Methadone since 2010 and I can't stand being handcuffed to it and the clinic. Would LOVE to get Subutex injections every month, much better than Methadone.

[@mramirez02004]

you gonna have a real real hard long time coming off of that brotha

[@mramirez02004]

should of went cold turkey through. a year of hell. i did it.

[@DutchieThePitty]

You have explained opioid addiction perfectly! I'm a recovering addict...2 years clean...and it took every ounce of my being to get to where I am...

[@shazzajorgo2191]

Well done congratulations sweetie

[@mariwithoutpari]

I wish you’re in remission as long as it possible

[@chevyriding4646]

I have been in withdrawl for 3 days now an I listened to this an the longer video this all helped me so much thank you. Still sweating n hurting but getting threw it

[@meeks1201]

One of the best break downs, so informative and educational, easy for folks to understand. This is so important because there is still such a huge stigma with additions, THANK YOU! And to anyone who is struggling I am praying for your recovery ❤️

[@lorrainecortes7296]

My mother got addicted from years of taking prescribed Opioids for her pain in her hip & when she did get her hip replacement the Doctor continued to give it to herself, she was a Senior & mentally ill, I felt disgusted with the Doctors whom continously prescribed it, for so many years that now it was apart of her life.Rip mom

[@NMW80]

Yeah that’s wrong. They don’t bloody warn ppl about the side effects either. And how hard it is to get off them.

[@mramirez02004]

@@NMW80swear!!! mfs say j stop. as there addicted in a terrible cycle of mental and physical sickness amplified by 1000x 24/7. until i give your body and brain what was took from it. truly evil

[@richardfeliciano8846]

I just got want you 2 to know how much your episodes have helped me get it thru and want to get thru and STAY thru with this burden on myself and my family. kyle and dr Sportelli. Thank you so much. 1 week sober. second time. I feel amazing.

[@aleksandralempart8305]

Addiction is a disease, not crime

[@lewislister7720]

It's proven its not a disease. Cancer is a disease you can't make changes or decide not to have cancer. Just saying.

[@kellyforrester21]

Depending. If you are using illegal substances, then it is infact a crime.

[@mignongarner8437]

Active addiction may Indeed involve or lead to criminal activity and often does. Active addiction IS a Disease. People are struggling. It is so clearly explained in neuroscience. Please respond with compassion and most of all, treatment.

[@saramilena.]

​@@kellyforrester21 yes but a dicease is not a crime, that's the point of the commentary...

[@m.freeman4763]

​@@kellyforrester21I think she's saying it SHOULDN'T be considered a crime because addiction is a disease much like diabetes is but we don't judge them for eating food that's bad for their diabetes. I don't believe she's saying using illicit drugs isn't illegal, just that being an addict shouldn't be. Jail is the least effective way to discourage an addict and it wouldn't help anyway since the brain function has been physically changed. Your brain starts to treat the drug like food and water in that it's a basic need that now must be met.

[@Symbolsysteme]

I once saw a documentary about drugs and their effects on the body, brain and psyche. In this documentary they said that Heroin gives the psyche basically the same feelings we experience in the mother womb; lovingly nurtured, fully protected and carried through life by a powerful force. When I saw this documentary I understood why I was so drawn to Heroin. I was taking Heroin as a young woman and I loved, loved, loved it, but only in the beginning, of course. When I became hooked, all the wonderful feelings I've mentioned above transformed into the opposite. The "loving mother womb" was not heaven anymore, but hell. I am so grateful I could get rid of my addiction and I could find what I was always longing for, namely the loving, protective and nurturing mother (inside of me).

[@angelategos7217]

awesome comment!!

[@Symbolsysteme]

​@@angelategos7217 Thanks...*)))

[@chiccavaquita]

Mind sharing the name of documentary?

[@Symbolsysteme]

@@chiccavaquita I would love to, because I would be very interested to see it again, it was so well done. Unfortunately I don*t remember the title. I saw it about 25 years ago on TV.

[@Amywannacuppatea]

Can you explain how this works for people who have chronic pain but need slow release opioids because there is no cure? Ie. cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc

[@kristineanderson4983]

I wish he would have replied to you. I'm a pain patient too. I've never been an addict nor had withdrawals. Don't believe everything you hear on YT. "Dr. CDC" took away my pain meds and ruined my life, as well as millions of others, but all we hear about is the addicts. Some of these comments are fake. Google Red Lawhern and Josh Bloom to read some good journalism people.

[@kellyforrester21]

Your body has to feel reality again, and you have to take your time. There is no time limit during a recovery, and you are learning to listen to your brain and body without interruption from drugs. I am still learning about my body, literal feelings, and emotion again after being off everything for a month. Irritability is a main factor I have noticed because you aren't used to being able to feel anything that your body naturally does. Admitting that it is a hard process and willing to face it all is the best mindset you can have. Being told about addiction and experiencing it are two total different things. Understanding is a big key factor also. Understand that you are coming back to normality, and your body has forgotten what that was until withdrawal starts. Things will get worse before they get better.

[@jackiealv6547]

Best explanation this slow learner has ever heard . Thanks so mucho for making this video . My best friend’s son just died of an overdose at the age of 21 , 2 rehabs , trying really hard to stop and he couldn’t. Now I understand why

[@Regal23_]

In Africa, you're very likely not going to set eyes on an opioid or narcotic all your life, let alone die from it at 21. Farthest we ever go is marijuana addiction and subsequent psychosis from it

[@sinamusenbichler6196]

Im soo glad that i made IT through my withdrawal from morphine - IT was the hardest time of my life but now- im luckier than ever! People pls dont do drugs!!!!!

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

Ive been on the same dose of hydrocodone for 15 years. Still functions to kill the pain. Im not chasing a high so none of this made sense to me. Never had to steal money to get my meds as luckily so far doctors have been professional. Now due to the bs opiate crisis i do see legit pain patients having to do that. Thats why its important to not take this important med away from real pain patients.

[@mifnp8887]

Agreed.

[@sameoldsonganddance]

Doc, can you do another series on why only some people get addicted easily and other people can take a course of Norco 10’s for after an operation and not even finish the bottle???

[@apey252]

GREAT point!

[@yusurkassem4174]

i think it's hard to compare drugs you get from who knows where to prescribed drugs. Prescribed painkillers will often have a more controlled dose, and also they're much purer etc, all of these will cause a difference in how people react to them. Also maybe the reason people take the drugs could play a part? taking a drug purely to escape life and feel high is different than taking it to not feel the pain of an operation. I'd be interested in hearing more about this too

[@micheletotton9342]

Good one, would also love to know

[@sameoldsonganddance]

@@yusurkassem4174 Believe it or not most addicts start off taking prescription meds then when the Dr. cuts them off they turn to the street. Trust me. It happens everyday.

[@GhettoToaster85]

@@yusurkassem4174 they didnt ask anyone to compare drugs now did they?

[@ELvis348]

Thank you Kyle for being a great host, chiming in w/ the best summarization in the most tactful and understanding way

[@ZaChYmO]

Thank you! This was an incredibly simplified way to explain addiction in terms were adolescents can understand. It even explains in a way, depression. This should be taught in school at an early age, people need to understand the mechanics of your brain so that people have a deep understanding of what they're getting into before they do. Thank you for this gentlemen! 🙏🏻

[@RobotronSage]

at an early age???? uuhhhh how about no???

[@SerChade]

Dog adds so much atmosphere to the video, amazing.

[@apey252]

I am so grateful for this. My siblings are addicts, but my brother is just sleeping at my mom’s (for like 2 years) He “trapeses” as I call it, when he can’t stand it anymore and has to go get -anything- I was mad in my own throbbing toothache pain and angry bc I had to go over there to help him with something a grown man should be able to do himself. Put on a matress pad on his shitty horrible bed. I was so mean. I realized the next day the things I said, how mean they were and it made me realize if he could help it, he would….I’m the only well-abled body and mind relative he has. If I don’t help him, no one will So thank you for this. It came at the perfect moment for me (after dealing with my sibling addicts for 10-15 years). I’ve become hardened and mean to them. I take it too personally. He’s my only full blooded sibling, and he turned out like my dad-addict thru and thru. How did I escape that? We weren’t even raised around Dad after 5 yrs old. Anyway, GREAT epidode!!!

[@mattbrock124]

IBOGAINE

[@LizbetPCB]

I want to know if lack of receptors is the reason why some people can take an opioid and not want more, more, more. I recently had major orthopedic surgery, was given hydrocodone, and except for the six to eight I took right afterward, I disliked the effect so much that I reluctantly accepted the pain which, fortunately, began to lessen after the first three to four days. Thanks for the information you all share with us.

[@kissaramay7201]

Opiates do not work for pain on around 10% of the population, due to how it's metabolised. 99.9% of us have opioid receptors, however not everyone who takes opioids will have them bind to these receptors. I'm not sure how rare that is.

[@LizbetPCB]

@@kissaramay7201 this is interesting. It never occurred to me that my system wouldn’t be able to receive or utilize the opioid (in my case, oxycodone). I get better relief with ibuprofen. I’m going to look further into this. Thank you!

[@kissaramay7201]

@@LizbetPCB no worries! You're lucky in a way, very little risk of addiction. Unfortunately im allergic to ibuprofen and aspirin so ive been stuck on codeine and tramadol for years. Back when i took aspirin as a teen i remember that being way more effective as a painkiller than the codeine!

[@NMW80]

@@LizbetPCB that’s a great thing cos trust me u don’t want to take any opiate pain meds. They have destroyed my life. I feel rotten every day. I am tapering off them slowly but it’s hell. I can’t wait to be off them. It’s not fun at all. I have a lot of aches and pain that come and go which is why I’m on them but I think I would rather put up with pain that feel like this for ever. They stop working when you have been on them for a while due to getting tolerance so it’s totally not worth being on them for pain especially long term at all. I am mad my doctor didn’t want me about all the side effects about long term use especially. I mean I guess taking them for a few days if you are in agony etc is ok or ya in that much pain you can’t handle it but yeah the tolerance is the problem cos to feel the same effects you have to keep increasing it.

[@stephaniesanchez7321]

Whats more common is that the dose was too strong. Had you halfed it (used common sense) it would have done what it was meant to do...make you comfortable .

[@shannonhiers3474]

Doctors are leaving behind chronic pain patient that have been treated for years with opioids. Now they must go through the pain management industry that treats patients as drug addicts and criminals. Monthly urine test ,multiple pill counts during treament and always the condescending looks and attitude of the doctor and their practice. These sick people are treated differently than any other sick person. Then they taper a patient who has been on opiods for over 25 years with no complications and a stable work record and live a productive life. Soon they will taper the much needed drug down to such an amount that doest help at all. So sick people turn to the streets to play fentanyl lottery just to live their lives. Does any other medical industry throw out diabetics, heart patients, high blood pressure patients? No they all just continue to get their medication that they cant live without. In other words they are addicted.

[@tkinquisitive2803]

Agreed, except it's not addiction imo. It's doctor induced dependence. I told my Dr that I was going to wean myself off my meds since I was "forewarned " that due to new regulations, she would eventually stop prescribing. She never once offered a solution for tapering, and actually said, at a later date, she never told me they were going to discontinue the med, which I was told twice! Thankfully, I found a taper on KZbin. My Dr has not once tried to alleviate my fears of withdrawal. At a recent point, I reached out to her, stating my BP has been going through the roof with this taper. No empathy given. Just the offer of a trade off of a different addictive med! When I informed them they knew they were giving me an addictive med to begin with, I was told, word for word, "we didn't make you take it. I mean WTF?!

[@zoraimaflores6070]

Awesome Doctor you are awesome and so knowledgeable. The interviewer I had to not listen so much as I wasn’t drowned to his points of views . I am battling addicted behavior and your explanation to this situation has educated me so much !!! Thank you for all your valuable information

[@hollieann3438]

Loved this video. He explained it beautifully.

[@mamabear80]

Thank you for explaining so well. I am supporting my husband and i know its so hard. And the stigma is so strong, it affects the addicts whole life circle and emotions. I hope i can help by being there and understanding. Sometimes it is so hard because I get so sad, frustrated and really lonely, because my needs are not met.

[@sweetmilkmustache]

Really great video!!! Thank you. I was diagnosed with OUD about ten years ago at age 18- been to a lot of facilities and listening ti this has taught me new things when i thought i knew everything: Thank you for trying to educate people and challenging the stigma on addicts

[@LizEarthAngel3]

This is the best explanation of opioid addiction I have seen, thank you

[@hillaryharrison2543]

Excellent -so informative

[@MedCircle]

Thanks for supporting mental health education 💙

[@ddtv394]

Great video, keep em coming!

[@natasha-iw7xv]

Excellent! Such clear explanations - you have opened my eyes to a dangerous reality, thank you

[@jenjenbee1340]

Thank you for making addiction so incredibly clear. Your explanation of tolerance was right on, as well as the illustration of the “sand paper” shirt! Can you please go into the next step, for example tapering and/or the best way to break the cycle of addiction? Thank you @MedCircle !

[@ryanmack3802]

“I took one bag of heroin”, lol. Doctors who specialize in substance addiction will NEVER actually understand addiction if they have never been addicted themselves. Facts.

[@alabama.worley]

In all fairness however, he articulates our experiences unbelievably well, and he has a visibly high empathy level. I have considerable respect for he and anyone else advocating to bring education and awareness to our disease, and just mental illness in general. I hope you are well.

[@duke01000]

Great video, well explained.

[@danielmiller2886]

I wish my doctor explained this to me before starting me on pain medication for the last several years.

[@tracischuler8591]

I love this breakdown!

[@Mustang1984]

Excellent show. I learned a heck of a lot.

[@ELvis348]

I admire how delivers his knowledge in a earthy way with not only natural but emotional intelligence… a term I never really grasped until I listened, viewed Dr Dominic. He is so in-sync w/ with mental health & humanity

[@carolegowling2963]

Explain so well thank you

[@christysmith5211]

This doc really explained this. Great knowledge

[@tinaking9120]

Wonderful explanation!!

[@bleepbloop9123]

Wow, this is so important. My dad was addicted to alcohol + if there hadn't been so much stigma, he could have actually gotten medical supervision to stop.

[@ansamuzaffar4603]

So perfectly explained

[@Krusharr]

I took a perc 30 at a party around a week ago and have been craving another one ever since. Now that I know how opiates work it all makes sense now. Thanks for informing me on this

[@JaysonBernardo-ch9fv]

Don't do it again and get some exercise the cravings will go away

[@TerelNewtonMD]

Passionate presentation. Consider reviewing the function of a few of the anatomic structures mentioned in the interview. Basal ganglia controls speech, movement, and posture. Dopamine is produced the ventral tegmental area (VTA), in the midbrain.

[@jasenc7479]

Absolutely fantastic presentation.

[@Bitano13]

so good information

[@nikkikrow2211]

The best explanation of what it feels like when we take opioids.

[@frankpaya690]

I want some of whatever they have that dog on?

[@IvaneL2187]

I always have been so afraid of drugs and still am. It’s terrifying the idea that due to an injury or medical condition that forces you to take opioids you can become addicted 😔😔😔😔 I feel for those going through so much pain. And for those who do it by choice, I just don’t understand tbh! With so much information out there we can see that 99% of the time it doesn’t end well and their life get 100% more difficult when the addiction gets out of their control. All for just a moment of pleasure .

[@Bbbbbfs]

You’ve never been through major depression then and that’s good for you but most of the addicted people have that or just a dopamine deficient brain and the opioids make every feeling that’s negative go away and how you feel at the moment let’s say heart break it will make the symptoms go away and you feel positive it’s not all for just a moment of pleasure it’s for your thoughts about taking your life goes away and you feel positive and everything is alright and it’s going to work out

[@IvaneL2187]

@@Bbbbbfs sorry you have to deal with major depression. Your assumption about me is completely inaccurate. I have dealt with depression, anxiety and many other things since childhood and it’s not easy but drugs are not the solution in my opinion. More often than not they only add to the problem long term. I am also not going to get in the details of my personal life much but I grew up living with an alcoholic and drug addicted dad, me, my brothers and my mom we all have dealt with trauma, trust issues, lack of accountability from my father among many other things for years. We can’t live life hidden from real problem and there is many others ways to cope with hard time, life is very hard and unfair sometimes and we all have issues we wish could go away in the blink of an eye tbh!

[@Bbbbbfs]

@@IvaneL2187 I have borderline personality disorder so it feels like the only solution to me it’s the only thing that makes my symptoms go away weed helps to but not as much I need something to slow my mind and to take away anxiety but your right about it adding to your problems but if you already have addicted family members and you grew up getting Xanax from your dad at 13 and drinking alcohol with him every thing gets desensitized atp for me the only reason I’m living is to take oxy I’m just going to do it until the day I die I’m only 17 and I’ve made my peace I know I’m not meant for a long life

[@janelebenson1102]

@@Bbbbbfs I don't know if I can give you a little hope, but I was diagnosed with BPD and had 18 years on and off heroin, jail, hospitals, suicide attempts, an overdose that destroyed my leg, etc life can still be shit. I'm still struggling, taking substances, but I've found solace in the small things. life is so short, and BPD is difficult because it can't be properly treated like other mental health disorders with medications. hold your head high, and stay surrounded with what and who you love.

[@mramirez02004]

the body physically needs it. say goodbye to j say no with opioids

[@LimitedCapacity]

Ohh my goood I can’t believe he mentioned his shirt feeling like sandpaper. Thought I was the only one lol. I couldn’t even wear my work uniform at times.

[@robb8234]

I'm one of the fortunate ones, ex addict of 17 years ago.. am a migraine person n have chronic muscular pain from scoliosis n car accidents.. so I can get away with taking 1 entry level oxy for the migraine to get some relief n have no craving for more.. typically 1 a month.. I wish the speaker would of mentioned that the pleasure released n felt is different when your experiencing a high level of pain.. for me, taking the oxy, reduces that pain level to manageable and doesn't make me feel euphoric or anything.. and when I take it, I am at home n stay there.. Damn thats one handsome man, re addiction doctor..😍

[@kennethhall9202]

Relpax is the best med I ever tool for migrain doctors won’t give opioids for migraine anymore i tried 😢

[@324amgela]

Excellent explanation I got bad surgery I got screws and I taking oxycodone i am Now and 30 mg but I wasn't 50 and I went down myself Little-by-little day-by-day I'm going down Aint do I finish I feel horrible But I worked on it Thank you for the explanation

[@NACHOURU182]

Hey everyone, i’ve been watching these recovery videos and they all seem to miss to explain what happened with the original chronic pain. Because for me, my biggest trigger for taking them is the back pain. So, they go through withdrawals and all of a sudden the chronic pain is gone? I don t get it, can someone explain this to me? I ve been clean for months at a time but I come back because i can no longer withstand the pain. Thanks a lot!

[@Anninukichild]

Wondering same thing I guess u just LIVE with chronic pain?

[@IshaanM1331]

I love the dog just chilling in the videoslol

[@Enigma_Vids]

Great teacher and greater dog.

[@Palaniappan.7837]

The sad thing is there are just a few videos like this. We need more from doctors examining the brain scans of serious drug addicts to understand the damage of the frontal lobe. We need neuroscientists and psychiatrists to promote sincere awareness that addicts don’t need just prayers or miraculous willpower tricks, rather we need help from the people of science. I’ve been suffering from an addiction and I feel like I’ve lost all control with regards to addiction. It’s as if I’m a whole different person before and while actively consuming drugs. It’s like I’m a whole different person the very moment the urge appears. I immediately consume while doing negative-self talks of how despicable my life has become. God, when will I find peace? When will I get my life back? I guess I was also predisposed to seeking drugs due to my genes. I developed several disorders relating to personality as well. My life is an utter mess.

[@PaddyMcMe]

Good video. Shows a common misconception. For the vast majority of people living in a society and in personal circumstances where their basic needs are taken care of everything beyond that is the result of seeking satisfaction/pleasure/happiness. You wear the clothes you wear because they make you feel good, you are romantic with a person because they make you feel good, you see your friends because they make you feel good, you have sex and party because they make you feel good. The difference for a drug user of any type, I include Alcohol, cigarettes, etc, is that you now have an item available to you that can make you feel as good or better than even the best naturally occurring feeling you've ever had. That's all it is. It's just a simpler way to feel good.

[@kristineanderson4983]

No! Opioids are medicines for certain people -- not made to make us feel good, but to help us walk, cut a piece of meat, take a shower, get out of the wheelchair alone, etc. Don't forget about us!

[@christinafernandez623]

Thank you so much very good information 😊 I ever did drugs thank God 🙏🙏

[@Carson_ppg]

The dog is an great addition.

[@danieladevries7991]

Hiya, very good explanation. I am 23 years clean of Heroin and Cocaine and Crack. I am so happy. But it is a very long way to get there. I have a good job and kids. BUT, it never leaves you with this opioids. I do not have the cravings. When I am in a crisis, I sometimes I think; I would like just one hit. But haven't done it. I have been addicted for 5 years, and I know the pain of withdrawal, the anxiety of becoming sick in a couple of hours. What you do (I did) many times you crave and surge the heroin, only not to get sick.

[@Grero]

Speaking of opioids, that dog is probably on them: 4:26 6:05 7:25 8:38 9:22 10:31 11:35

[@dana102083]

😆

[@thatwhichburnsneverreturns]

You win as "best dog watcher" in an informative video, I'm going to hit all those times just for the dog now!

[@maryanderson4170]

Awesome video! People need to be educated, Drugs are not worth it!

[@emilytaylor4121]

What happens when someone who took pain medicine for many years quits taking them and has been abstinent for 3 months or more and then takes it for a surgery after having abstinence? Will they withdrawal again? Will thier brain healing start all over? As long as they only take it for the time told will thier brain remember that drug and then when they stop taking it again will they still have thier brains healing?

[@concrete981]

education is everything....and common sense.

[@deshawn53988]

The best euphoria is that adorable puppy.

[@rakhisingh218]

Question: after the down regulation gets rid of some of the locks because there are too many keys, can the brain ever get those locks back?

[@MedCircle]

You can join Ask Me Anything sessions with our doctors by joining our Channel membership kzbin.info/door/yGOloOIJWt8NlE4tnejQeAjoin

[@craighamilton5561]

Excellent article. I just wish the doctors treated me like you are talking rather than the dregs of society attitude that the medical community as well as society humiliates the addict. Especially when there are many cases where it was the doctor who prescribed the opioid in the first place to treat pain from diseases & injuries. The addict usually ends up on the with nothing but an early death or a life in homelessness. Please keep them coming because ordinary people need to know this stuff to stop the stigma

[@coleytoons]

🤔🤔I know several people who deal with this type of addiction. I would love to know why opioid addicts seem to lie and genuinely believe their lies. Its like they can't tell the difference between a hypothetical situation from any actual one.

[@Anninukichild]

Maybe that's just the addiction. But I've seen more people on benzos definitely be more of the " believe your own lies " type.

[@learntogrow6861]

Delusion…but why? To escape living up to responsibilities that come with truth?

[@jennsinclair-girouard100]

Opiates is my DOC & the worst withdrawal I been through the withdrawal 3x and on & off methodone completely off methodone & opiates for 5 years had a slip back on methodone I’m so hard on myself for going back on it

[@jaysins]

Hidden effect - they numb you emotionally. Many do not understand this until dependence or addiction has set in.

[@martaakh8105]

The same things,what alcohol does. However, drug addiction is easier to get. There are social,personal and familiar tragedies caused by drug or alcohol abuse. Nicotine abuse brings damages for own physical personal health and health of family just like possibly environmental damages.

[@maniacdaddy8047]

When it comes to pain and withdrawals the hair on my head hurts. I hurt in places i didn't know could hurt.

[@FitzSchlitz]

@everyone How is everyone feeling lately? Healing vibrations, love and prayers to you all!!! 💪💪💪💪💪✌️✌️✌️❤️

[@Shortkonner]

Thanks h addict to here

[@kathymalloy9686]

What are your thoughts on Gaba supplements?

[@dirkteur4766]

How about prescription when other painkillers did not help? Has nothing to do with preferring pleasant feelings or euphoria, but all with getting lost of fysical pain!

[@hardinzepaint1002]

9:00 10:10

[@2011351]

So how to reset my dopamine receptors after addiction I’m 7 months clean still don’t feel good

[@unidaspandemia9936]

which drug? depends on the opioid and dose. For tramadol you need 3-4 months

[@parrishwoods]

I have been on them since 2011 for pain and I never ever experienced what you're saying. No euphoria , no Hi. I don't even know what you're saying. I have never and I have been on many different kinds. prescription.i guess addicts use much more, I can now Function.i have reduced very much. But I am in pain now.not as bad as without,

[@VLove-CFII]

Very bad for young healthy people. Old people in chronic pain with limited lifespan left should be allowed a choice to accept opioid therapy or suffer from serious pain until death.

[@user-og7ny5uw3m]

Such great information, now if we could get the laws to understand this process and what addicts do and why. Jail and prisons doesn't help them. All that does is add more stigma to their lives. You're and addict and a felon, you can't get a job, rent an apartment or house...so they turn to the streets and crime. A large part of our homeless problems. Society has failed this group of people.

[@shoegum7362]

Opiod addiction takes control over the very powerful survival instincts of the brain. You'll do whatever you have to in order to protect yourself from pain/withdrawals.

[@tanit7741]

Can you do the brain of someone addicted to McDonalds fries?

[@moongoddess8568]

Chronic pain and after 8 years, switched to Suboxone for it. Still “sick” from either withdrawal or side effects after seven months. I’m not sure which one it is or both? Still have pain. Can’t get meds I need anymore.

[@michaelbacigalupi5734]

Suboxone is not a pain killer. Hopefully you’ve found a doctor that will treat your chronic pain? Suboxone helps with withdrawal from opiates. unfortunately you will experience withdrawal when you stop taking the Suboxone. Suboxone will wreak havoc on your teeth if taken for extended periods. we in the pain community have been abandoned by our doctors, prescriptions for opioids has dropped by over half nationwide and still the overdose deaths set new records every year! it’s clear to anyone that can think critically that prescribed pain medication is not contributing to the statistics, never was the problem because it’s the fentanyl that’s causing it. cartels are making fake pills containing fentanyl, cutting heroin with it, putting it in cocaine, meth, crack and probably other things. overdoses are ever increasing and the statistic that is alarming is the spike in suicides coming from the untreated pain community. like you i’ve been on medication for years and functioned fairly well and enjoyed being independent . i’m currently taking far less than my dose when i could function quite well and i’m trying to make friends with my pain. the last eight years or so i’ve lost a lot of ground. my doctor retired and he wanted to send me to pain management. told him thanks but no thanks. fortunately i found another doc who agreed to take me so at least i get some relief. good luck to you.

[@AxViki]

nice

[@janellemccoy09]

I am highly triggered by things going missing now. I acknowledge it is because I left everything to become safe, but my experience with thief and such creates a I don't trust anyone to not take from me. About a year after we moved back to our home of record. My two rings disappeared. Both could not be replaced, one was from a deployment and one was from his grandparents. They went missing right out of my jewelry box in a master bedroom. So we locked our door so they'd stop stealing from us.

[@rellarando3649]

I dont even allow anyone at my house. its my safe space. nobody is harassing me, straling from me and i can sleep safely.

[@vishalpagar3207]

Love from India🇮🇳

[@catherinepraus8635]

Hi from Oregon USA hope you have a wonderful day 😊

[@vishalpagar3207]

Sharing to my non medico friends

[@kennethhall9202]

I couldn’t function without my OxyContin and I am off them now thanks to suboxine

[@lesjones5684]

Makes you feel good You fool lol 😂

[@poshtash6101]

Is the dog ok?

[@666wilf]

Can a long use of opiates or opioid cause mild brain bamage?

[@FitzSchlitz]

I feel the answer is yes for me. Others may feel differently. Probably just me. Lol

[@666wilf]

@@FitzSchlitz I was thinking of me too.

[@FitzSchlitz]

@@666wilf may I ask what your situation was for you to feel this way? I’m putting videos up about my methadone (20yr) detox from 160mgs. I’m 10months methadone free… and now feel like it’s quite possible I have a bit of brain damage or chemical change. 🤷🏼‍♂️. I have slight visual hallucinations every so often. It didn’t start until my height of 160mgs per day and 6mgs of Klonopin. Again…🤷🏼‍♂️lol. Healing vibes your way my friend! 💪✌️❤️

[@natwilliams4076]

@@FitzSchlitz 160mg! That must have been brutal! I tried to get of 75mg ( about 10 yrs) got down to 30mg over six months or so then went to detox. After three weeks they said enough is enough and kicked me out on 16mg of suboxone. Now 5yrs later and I'm down to 6mg and having another go. Be interested to hear your story.

[@dogthatshags]

@@FitzSchlitz 3 months methadone free here from 120mg. Monthly Buvidal injection changing my life from hopelessness to hope. Methadone definitely damaged me. Take care mate.

[@madelineanabella6400]

The rehabs in PA do not know how to do detox.

[@hollystump1]

Sir, they are silicon chips, not silicone chips....

[@lesjones5684]

Ask my brain 🧠 lol 😆