Summary of This Is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids | Short Film Showcase

00:00:00 - 00:00:00

This video showcases the effects of opioids on the brain. When a person experiences pain, their body releases natural painkillers called endorphins that activate opioid receptors and slow down the pain signal. However, when a person takes opioids, the opioid receptors become less effective at suppressing the dopamine neurons, leading to increased pain, depression, and anxiety. There is hope for recovery, but the road can be challenging.

• 00:00:00 This video showcases the effects of opioids on the brain. Susan experiences pain after falling and breaks her arms, and her body sends a signal to her brain to interpret the pain as a need to go to the hospital. Susan's neurons are covered in proteins called opioid receptors, which act like a brake to slow down the neurons' ability to send pain signals. When injured, her body releases natural painkillers called endorphins that activate opioid receptors and slow down the pain signal. Three months later, Susan's arm still hurts and now that pain is making her feel depressed and anxious. Her doctor prescribes her an opioid painkiller, and as her dose increases, her depression and anxiety worsen. Eventually, her pills run out and her opioid receptors become less effective at suppressing the dopamine neurons, leading to increased pain, depression, and anxiety. However, there is hope for Susan as the road to recovery can be challenging, but with treatments like medication and therapy, she can learn to enjoy her life again.