Noradrenergic adaptation and the morphine dependent brain

Opioid addiction is a chronically relapsing disease with a high risk of premature death. Currently the US is experiencing a growing opioid epidemic, where the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths has quadrupled from 2002-2013. There are currently a large number of opioid drugs that are misused and can lead to addiction, and evidence suggests that 80% of new heroin abusers previously abused prescription drugs. The central noradrenergic system plays an extensive role in modulating behaviors associated with addiction and anxiety.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research