What exactly are opioid receptors?
These are protein molecules that exist on the surface of some nerve cell membranes. They provide a way for the body to experience the effects of opioids. Back to FAQs What is addiction? To understand fully you must be aware of the difference between tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction: As a person takes opioids for an extended period of time, they become less sensitive to it and require more to achieve the same effect. Receptors in the brain become less sensitive. This means they need more and more opioid to achieve the same effect. This is called tolerance. When the body can no longer make enough natural opioids to satisfy the less sensitive receptors, the body becomes dependent on the external source. This is physical dependence. “Physical Dependence” is a physiological state of adaptation to a substance, the absence of which produces symptoms and signs of withdrawal. It is possible to be physically dependent on a drug without being addicted to it. Physical dependence is th
