Abnormal Adrenal Gland Metabolism in Opioid Addicts: Implications for Clinical Treatment
作者:
TennantForest,
ShannonJosephA.,
NorkJohnG.,
SagherianArtin,
BermanMarshall,
期刊:
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
(Taylor Available online 1991)
卷期:
Volume 23,
issue 2
页码: 135-149
ISSN:0279-1072
年代: 1991
DOI:10.1080/02791072.1991.10472232
出版商: Taylor&Francis Group
关键词: adrenal gland;cortisol;heroin;methadone;metabolism;opioids
数据来源: Taylor
摘要:
AbstractAdrenal gland metabolism is markedly altered in heroin addicts. During day-time hours, the addict may suffer corticoid deficiency of the addisonian type, and in the evening, an excess of the cushingoid type. The high plasma levels of cortisol that are found in the evening in addicts antagonize endogenous opioids in a manner similar to naloxone. In the present study, 72% of the heroin addicts who sought treatment demonstrated reduced adrenal cortisol reserve. Effective immune and stress responses are dependent on adrenal cortisol reserve. This finding provides an explanation for the heroin addict's vulnerability to AIDS and other infectious diseases. One of methadone's greatest attributes is that it helps normalize adrenal metabolism. Clinical methods to at least partially correct adrenal metabolism may enhance current opioid addiction treatment modalities.
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