They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Types Of EndorphinsĮndorphins (contracted from “endogenous morphine”) are endogenous opioid neuropeptides and peptide hormones in humans and other animals. However, endorphins can produce a “high” that is both healthy and safe, without the risk of addiction and overdose. Natural endorphins work similarly to opioid pain relievers, but their results may not be as dramatic. Medical experts are now looking into safe and effective pain relievers without opioids. Opioid abuse and overdose have become such a serious problem that the National Institutes of Health have declared it a crisis. Many of these are a result of overdosing or misusing prescription opioids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse state that 90 people die each day in the United States from an opioid overdose. Both legal and illegal opioid medications have a high risk of causing addiction, overdose, and death. Some illegal drugs, such as heroin, are also opioids. Some of the more common opioid drugs include: People who have lower levels may be more likely to have depression or fibromyalgia, but more research is needed in this area. The level of endorphins in the human body varies from person to person. The name endorphin comes from the words “endogenous,” which means “from the body,” and “morphine,” which is an opioid pain reliever. The scientists then realized that some chemicals in the body acted similarly to natural opioid medications, binding to these same receptors. They found that the body has special receptors that bind to opioids to block pain signals. In the 1980s, scientists were studying how and why opioids worked. They are sometimes prescribed for short-term use after surgery or for pain relief. Opioids relieve pain and can produce a feeling of euphoria.
They work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids. Endorphins are released in response to pain or stress, but they’re also released during other activities, like eating, exercise, or sex.Įndorphins are chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being. They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland.
In other words, endorphins got their name because they are natural pain relievers.Įndorphins consist of a large group of peptides. The word endorphin comes from putting together the words “endogenous,” meaning from within the body, and “morphine,” which is an opiate pain reliever.