Opium Addiction and Abuse

As early as 5,000 B.C., poppy plants were grown in the Mediterranean region. The Sumerians referred to it as the “joy plant” because of the euphoric effects produced by opium. The Sumerians then passed the drug along to the Egyptians, who began growing poppy plants.

Since then, the poppy plant has been grown in many countries around the world. The cultivation of the plant soon spread along the Silk Road to China. There, opium served as a catalyst in the mid-19th century Opium Wars involving China and Britain.

Opium was introduced as a pain reliever among medical experts in the 1600s.

In the 1800s, opium dens were established throughout China. These dens were soon popularized in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe. In the mid-1800s, Chinese immigrants brought opium with them to the United States, particularly New York City and San Francisco.

In the United States, health care professionals use synthesized opium, called opioids, to reduce pain.

Physical addiction should be distinguished from psychological addiction. People who take opium products may develop dependence on the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking it. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• • Abdominal cramping
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Diarrhea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Goosebumps
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased tearing
  • Yawning
  • Sweating
  • Trouble sleeping

Psychological addiction is the change in behaviors that come along with substance use disorder. These behaviors are similar regardless of the drug being used. Common symptoms include:

• • Appearing fearful or paranoid for no reason
  • Change in appetite or eating behaviors
  • Engaging in  secretive behaviors
  • Lack of motivation
  • Sudden mood swings or agitation
  • Unexplained change in personality

Opioids, including opium, are misused because of their extremely pleasant short-term effects including:

• • A “rush” of immediate pleasure
  • Drowsiness
  • Feelings of warmth and heaviness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Reduced sensations of pain
  • Slow heartbeat and breathing

The long-term effects of opium products can range from psychological to physical changes. A person using opium products for long periods has a greater risk of dependence and substance use disorder. The longer a person uses these substances, the more they need to accomplish the same “high,” which is called tolerance. As tolerance increases, the risk of dependence and addiction does as well.

Other long-term effects include:

• • Anxiety
  • Increased pain sensitivity
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Withdrawal symptoms

The risk of opium overdose can be unpredictable because of drug tolerance and purity of the product can be unpredictable. Overdose is often a medical emergency, and you should call 911 if someone experiences the following:

• Cannot be awakened
• Extremely slowed breathing
• Skin is extremely pale, and lips are blue
• Vomiting or making gurgling sounds

Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

Detox is the initial stage of opioid use disorder treatment. During this stage, the person stops taking the drug and it begins to clear their body. Withdrawal symptoms are generally worst at this time.

Withdrawal symptoms for opium may include diarrhea, sweating, goosebumps, yawning, nausea and vomiting. Withdrawal symptoms are often a trigger to take more opium, so it is critical to receive support during this time. If in a treatment program, medications can be given to manage uncomfortable symptoms.

After the initial detoxification, a person continuing treatment will enter into maintenance treatment. This can occur in several settings, depending on the needs of the client.

Inpatient is often a residential program, is the most structured and involves living in a facility with others seeking treatment. Those whose symptoms are not impacting their daily life can enter outpatient treatment and still attend to their responsibilities like work or school. There are also treatment programs that are a blend of the two where a person lives in a facility but still leaves for obligations outside of treatment hours.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on improving mental health and unlearning harmful behaviors. CBT teaches a person to improve emotional regulation and improve coping strategies. CBT can be delivered in inpatient or outpatient programs.

Teletherapy has become more prevalent in the post-pandemic world. This type of treatment is useful for people with less severe substance use disorders who may have difficulty getting to treatment on-site or prefer therapy from home.

Most poppy straw concentrate comes in the form of brownish powder. However, opium can also appear as a solid or liquid.

Opium and its derivative products (opioids) are extremely addictive. Pharmaceutical opioid products are partly responsible for one of the largest drug epidemics of the last decade in the United States.

Opium gives a person the sensation of warmth, heaviness and euphoria.

The taste of opium is described as bitter.

Opium is derived from concentrated poppy straw.

Poppy straw is concentrated and processed for human consumption, whether by oral ingestion, smoking, or injection.

Professional treatment facilities, including The Recovery Village, can treat opium addiction. You can also consult with your doctor or other trusted medical professional to find help for opium addiction.