Dangers of Smoking Opium

Overview

Opium, a substance that contains about 10 percent morphine, can be smoked as well as injected. Like heroin or morphine, it can create feelings of warmth, relaxation and sedation. Continued smoking of opium can have devastating results. Users can quickly become extremely addicted to heroin. They develop a tolerance and need to use higher, stronger and more dangerous doses to reach the same physical highs. Meanwhile, the brain becomes used to the continued presence of the drug and signals the body that it needs more.

History

Opium has been widely used throughout the world for centuries. It was legal in the United States in the 19th century before the horrors of its addiction were fully realized. Opium dens sprouted in the dark and sinister areas of cities, just as they had in countries all over the world. The dens caused many users to become so dependent on the drug that they could sit and smoke in the dens for hours or days, leaving their thoughts behind them to such a degree it would often destroy their lives. Laws soon banned the dens and outlawed opium for recreational use.

Prevention/Solution

The International Opium Commission was founded in 1909 with countries vowing to end the production of opium. Illegal use continues to this day. Medicinal use is still allowed in some countries where it is diluted for medical purposes.

Harvesting

Opium is harvested in dry, warm climates in Turkey, Central and South Asia, and is also grown in South America. It is transported to countries around the globe, including the United States where it is used for heroin, but also sold in pure form on the streets.

Effects

The changes induced by smoking opium are similar to the effects of using heroin or morphine, according to researchers at Columbia University. Aside from the relaxed feelings and relief from anxiety, it can also cause decreased alertness, respiratory depression and slow breathing, impaired coordination, nausea and constipation just from smoking it in one sitting. The effects can last from three to six hours.

Withdrawal

Prolonged use can be the result of smoking the drug, and these users experience extreme dependency. If they stop using the drug, a chemical imbalance begins throughout the body. The addict suffers from withdrawal that starts only a few hours after the last use. During this phase, the person suffers nausea, cramps, fever, weakness, depression, muscle spasms and anxiety. The agonizing withdrawal process can last seven to 10 days.