EC Psychology and Psychiatry

Introduction

Tobacco addiction is causing social, economic, and health burden in the world. Tobacco addiction is mainly due to psychological stress or peer’s pressure. I wonder why people are addicted to tobacco in the form of smoking or chewing, where human body is designs with neurochemicals for happiness and euphoria, addiction, only thing is to tap the untapped potential is needed.

Endorphins and it’s actions

Endorphins are endogenous morphine, more potent than morphine produced in the pituitary gland response to stress and pain. There are three types of endorphins beta-endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin binds with µ, k, and Ò receptors situated on the nervous system and immune cells. Beta-endorphin is an abundant endorphin, synthesized and stored in the anterior pituitary gland; it is a precursor of POMC (Proopiomelanocortin).

In the PNS, binding of betaendorphin to the receptor (µ) on peripheral nerves results in inhibition of substance p, a neurotransmitter of pain and inflammation.