Article at a Glance:
- Opium and opium products have been used medicinally for thousands of years
- Opioids carry a high risk of abuse and addiction
- Opium overdose can be fatal and is a medical emergency.
- There are specialized treatment facilities that can help overcome the challenges of opium use disorder treatment to help a person return to their normal life
What is Opium?
Opium is the milky, latex sap that is found in the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. Raw derivatives of the plant are calledopiates, which are natural painkillers that are often used for medical purposes. Opiates can be synthesized to create opioids, which are man-made pain relievers.
The opium poppy is a key ingredient in many of today’s popular psychoactive substances, such as:
For many years, health professionals have used medications with ingredients derived from opium, like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.
Opium Addiction Potential & Abuse
Opium is aSchedule II drug. Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse and result in severe physical and psychological dependence.
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When people are addicted to opium products, their brain changes over time and their tolerance to a particular drug increases. Individuals may take the substance more frequently or in higher quantities to satisfy intense cravings. An opium addiction increases a person’s risk of experiencing an overdose.
People with an opium addiction struggle to carry out everyday tasks. They might struggle to fulfill responsibilities at school, work or home. In many cases, an opium addiction can cause physical and behavioral changes that lead to long-term health complications.
Effects of Opium Addiction
Opium can produce both mild and dangerous effects. Some of the consequences of using the substance include drowsiness, confusion and constipation. If used in excess, opium can lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Common Nicknames and Street Names
Opium street names may include thefollowing:
- Aunty
- Big O
- Black pill
- Chandu
- Chinese molasses
- Dopium
- Midnight oil
- Zero
Opium Addiction Rates and Statistics
According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, 70,630 people died of a drug overdose in 2019. About 70% of these deaths involved an opioid.
The global production of poppy plants remains high. However, according to a report by the International Narcotics Control Board, the cultivation of poppy straw concentrationsdecreased slightly from 2018 to 2019. Beginning in 2017, the global manufacture of morphine began to decrease below 400 tons. In 2019, 380 tons were produced.
The widespread availability of opium increases the chances that people can engage in opioid use, which also increases the risk of developing an opioid use disorder. If you’re dealing with an opium-related addiction, treatment may be needed to heal both physically and psychologically.
Opium and Other Drugs
Opioids, including opium are commonly mixed with alcohol, over-the-counter (OTCs), benzodiazepines, muscle relaxers, other opioids, and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine.
When mixed with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, the risk of overdose and death is greatly increased. This is also true when mixing with stimulants. A mixture of cocaine and heroin is commonly called a “speedball.”
How Is Opium Abuse Diagnosed?
Opium abuse is diagnosed by a licensed professional using criteria from the DSM-V. In general, if you are using opium or other opioids without a prescription, or in a way different than prescribed, you may be abusing opium.
If you or you suspect that a loved one is abusing opium, you can contact The Recovery Village for support and guidance.
Opium Addiction Treatment Approaches & Options
If a healthcare professional has determined that a person has opium or opioid addiction, then it may be a good idea to seek professional treatment. Treatment works best when it’s comprehensive and involves supporting many facets of a person’s life, including support for mental, physical and social health.
Find the Help You or Your Loved One Needs
Contact The Recovery Village if you believe yourself or a loved one is in need of help. We can help connect you with specialists to verify insurance coverage and locate help. We have an extensive network of healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat opioid use disorder.
