Opioid neurotransmitters are located in many areas of the body, including the brain, spine and gut.
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Unlike opioid drugs like morphine and fentanyl that travel throughout the body, the opioids your body produces are released in small quantities to specific locations.
The improper prescription of opioids for pain treatment is one of the central drivers of the opioid epidemic.
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Prescription monitoring offers a way to prevent accidental overdoses and identify patients with dangerous addictions. But looking after these patients is going to be a challenge.
The leaves of the plant kratom.
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The herb kratom has a large following and is so popular that it is sold in vending machines. The FDA recently issued a public warning about the herb, which contains low levels of opioids.