Dr. Robert Crawford is a vascular surgeon who served as a fellow in vascular surgery between 2008 and 2010. In his career, Dr. Robert Crawford has published several articles in basic sciences relating to vascular surgery and the opioid crisis.

Opioids are chemicals that reduce the effect of pain in the body by stimulating the nerve cells’ opioid receptors. Opioid receptors play an important role in regulating the cardiovascular system. Opioids could be natural or synthetic. Synthetic opioids are made in laboratories, including substances like pain relievers and heroin.

Sensations like pleasure and pain determine a substantial amount of our cognitive functioning. Your idea of pleasure and pain determines how we perceive and react to situations. Opioids condition the body to feel little to no pain and experience more pleasure. Some researchers conclude that opioids regulate the brain’s affective states.

Consequently, among other effects, opioids can cause severe drowsiness, euphoria, mental confusion, and nausea. An overdose of opioids can also result in respiratory collapse and eventually death.

Opioids help the body regulate the feelings of aversive sensations while it promotes and triggers pleasurable sensations. According to research, rationing or limiting opioid consumption substantially reduces appetite and food consumption.