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Opium Addiction and Abuse

Table of Contents

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.

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History of Opium

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.

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.

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Physical Addiction to Opium

Psychological Addiction to Opium

Factors That Influence Opium Addiction Potential

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.

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Short-Term Effects

Long-Term Effects

Opium Overdose

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.

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Detox & Withdrawal Management

Inpatient, Residential and Outpatient Rehab

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Teletherapy and Online Counseling

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.

Common Questions about Opium Use

What does opium look like?

How addictive is opium?

What does opium feel like?

What does opium taste like?

What type of drug is opium?

Where does opium come from?

What is opium made of?

Where to get help for opium addiction?

Find A Center Near You

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Sources

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Opium.” April 2020. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

International Narcotics Control Board. “Narcotic Drugs.” 2020. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

MedlinePlus. “Opioids and Other Drugs: What to Watch for.” Jan 2020. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

MedlinePlus. “Opiate and Opioid Withdrawal.” May 2020. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

MedlinePlus. “Opiate Overdose.” Oct 2018. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “What Are Prescription Opioids?” June 2021. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

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