AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Opioid medications function by mimicking natural endorphins, competing for receptor binding. In the acute setting, exogenous opiates inhibit the production of endogenous opiates while in the chronic setting, exogenous opiates inhibit the production of both endogenous opiates and mu-opioid receptors .

Detailed explanation-2: -Small peptide neurotransmitters, called enkephalins and endorphins, are the natural inhibitors of pain signals. They bind to opioid receptors in pain-signalling cells of the nervous system. Opioids mimic this action, also causing opioid receptors to slow down the pain response.

Detailed explanation-3: -Opioids trigger the release of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Endorphins muffle your perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure, creating a temporary but powerful sense of well-being.

Detailed explanation-4: -Endogenous small molecules (enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins, endomorphins, and nociceptins), also known as opioids, that bind to opioid receptors and mediate analgesia. They also participate in other functions, including drug reinforcement and reward.