Obtained from the latex of the poppy, opium is an opiate like morphine, codeine and heroin. Initially consumed in inhaled form, opium is also used in analgesics. Its repeated use, without medical supervision, can lead to very potent addiction.
Opium is obtained from the sap (or “latex”) of immature poppy seeds . It is particularly used in the Middle East and South East Asia for relaxation, pain relief and during spiritual rites. In its diverted use, it is usually smoked or swallowed and engenders a feeling of euphoria and pleasure. Under medical supervision, it is used in certain analgesic medicines to relieve pain particularly resistant to other medicines. These faculties are granted by the very composition of the opium which consists of phenanthrenes and benzylisoquinolines.. It is at the origin of the synthesis of heroin, morphine and codeine. This is why it is rarely available in its initial form outside the countries of production.
use
Opium is a narcotic drug that can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain. When misused, it is used by consumers in the form of inhalation with an opium pipe, or mixed with a cigarette as a joint.
What effects after taking?
The effects are usually very rapid after taking, especially in the inhaled form and last for 3 to 6 hours. The user quickly feels a relaxing, anxiolytic and sedative effect which provides him with intense well-being. At higher doses, he may even experience hallucinations.
Long term effects
In the long term, repeated use of opium causes the same effects as all opioids, namely constipation, disturbances in libido and the menstrual cycle. Dependence is generally very rapid, with a phenomenon of habituation and habituation, that is to say that the consumer must constantly increase the doses and the frequency to feel the same effect. The consequences on his personal and professional life set in quickly, with a risk of marginalization, legal problems, and conflict with those around him.
Opium and pregnancy
According to the CRAT (Reference Center on Teratogenic Agents), if a pregnant woman uses opium, the risks are not malformative but rather the induction of a withdrawal syndrome of the child at birth as well. that significant stress during pregnancy, linked to addiction, which is likely to cause premature childbirth and miscarriages. It is therefore preferable to be treated with replacement therapy throughout this period.
Signs of addiction
Following repeated use, without medical supervision, the consumption of opium can induce dependence. As with heroin, the consumer feels the need to increase the doses, first in quantity, then in frequency to find the same effects. The violence of withdrawal is very often at the origin of new consumption, thus fueling addiction and obsession with the consumer’s thoughts. The consequences on personal and professional life are generally rapid and can lead to insecurity, financial, family and legal difficulties.
Withdrawal: symptoms
If you stop regular opium consumption, a severe withdrawal syndrome appears. It is usually very intense and painful, and can sometimes last more than a week, but is not life threatening.
In the hours which follow the disappearance of the effects: the user begins to have tearing , a runny nose , he yawns, feels nauseous , may have vomiting, diarrhea , muscle cramps, deep pain in the limbs, pain lumbar and abdominal, of sweats , chills, and a sensation of heat and cold. His pupils are dilated (unlike what happens during consumption) and he experiences a feeling of discomfort and anguish accompanied by significant insomnia.
How to make a success of a withdrawal?
To help opium-dependent consumers in their withdrawal, substitution treatment has been available since 1994: methadone and buprenorphine ( Subutex ®). The goal of this prescription treatment is to limit withdrawal symptoms and long-term relapse. It allows you to live a normal life and treat cravings. For the prescription and delivery of treatment, treatment by a liberal addictologist, at the hospital or in a CSAPA (Centers for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology) is preferable. a psychotherapyand social support are also recommended to treat this addiction. Certain therapies such as CBT (Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy) have proved their worth in this type of addiction.
- Opium pipe kit
To prevent the transmission of certain infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, herpes, Staphylococci, fungi, candidiasis, or the flu, there is now a free kit for opium smokers (and crack). Available in all CSAPAs, CAARUDs (Reception and Support Center for Risk Reduction for Drug Users ) and pharmacies, it contains a pipe and items for personal use to avoid sharing equipment. It allows you to avoid making your own pipe with dangerous materials.
Opium and overdose: from what quantity?
Opium overdose may appear from the first use if it exceeds the dose tolerated by the consumer. When consumption is more frequent, it is not uncommon for the dependent user to need to increase the doses to feel the same effect and thus go from one gram to 30 grams of opium per day, for example.
My addictologist advice
Given the risk of overdose and hallucinations associated with opium consumption, it is recommended not to consume alone, but always with people who can give the alert if necessary. Also avoid mixtures of opiates, especially with heroin and methadone as you risk a potentially fatal overdose.
