Signs of Opium Addiction

Opium poppy

In discussing the signs of opium addiction, we first have to discuss what opium is. Opium is said to be a kind of sedative that is sourced from the seeds of a flower called opium poppy. This end product of the poppy seed becomes a key ingredient for many opiates like codeine, papaverine, morphine and noscapine, which are then altered chemically to get heroin. Opiate addiction has been a source of concern and worry for millions of families who are affected by substance abusers.

Opium has been used as a drug for centuries. Originally it was combined with a specific liquid and ingested or otherwise taken in its solid form. After some time, some people started smoking it instead and thus began the global phenomenon of opium addiction. It is a confirmed fact that the smoking of opium originated in China and then escalated to Europe and other Western countries where opium was being used as an analgesic.

How does one get addicted? One can easily get addicted to opium by allowing the drug to be absorbed and retained in the body system for up to two full days. The narcotic property of opium makes it possible for one to become quickly addicted to it. When an addiction is developed, it is a very big challenge both to the person and his or her family, friends and colleagues.

The best we can do for victims of drug addiction is by helping them to overcome their addiction. How do you help drug addicts? We should first of all understand that drug or alcohol addiction is not a disease. You can help someone who is addicted to any form of drug by convincing him or her to go for treatment and rehabilitation. It is pertinent to note that it will take a lot of dedication and patience to convince a drug addict that he or she is really addicted. In addition, they will almost definitely need to be monitored during treatment or rehabilitation because in most cases, a relapse occurs when supervision is lacking. Letting go of opium dependence is a very big challenge for the person addicted.

In treating opium addiction or indeed any other form of drug addiction, rehabilitation and natural detoxification procedures should always be encouraged because they take less of a toll on the body. The use of methadone and other drug substitution treatment should be avoided. The use of methadone could result in an adverse negative effect on the human body.

What are the symptoms of opium addiction?

One could be addicted to opium when he or she exhibits any of the following:

• Irrepressible yearning for opium
• Having compulsive thoughts about opium
• Physical signs of malnutrition
• Not having any cravings for food
• Feelings of nausea
• Constant migraines
• Unstable blood pressure
• Inexplicable weight loss
• Heart palpitations
• Frequent fixed and blank gaze
• Inexplicable mood swings

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