How Opioids Affect The Brain 

Long-term use of opioids can be dangerous. It can cause changes to the brain that affect your mood, impulse control, motivation, and feelings of reward or pleasure. 

Over time, the opioid receptors in the brain change. They need more and more opioids to achieve the same effect. The opioid receptors become dependent on the drug to function correctly. If you stop taking the drug, you may become physically sick, also known as withdrawal. 

How Sparrow Helps Overcome Opioid Withdrawal

Fortunately, your brain can produce its’ own opioids, called endorphins. Endorphins are neurochemicals released in the brain that fill the opioid receptors. When the receptors are filled, a signal is sent to release another neurochemical called dopamine, which can help with pain-relief and control withdrawal. 

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The Sparrow Therapy System delivers personally tailored mild electrical signals through the skin on and around the ear — known as transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation or tAN™. 

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The electrical signals target specific nerves that activate areas of the brain that release endorphins. 

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These endorphins then fill the empty opioid receptors. This satisfies the receptors and helps to aid in the reduction and prevention of withdrawal symptoms. 

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