Opium

Opium, narcotic extract derived from the immature fruits of the opium poppy, native to Greece and Asia Minor. The milky juice is refined to a powder that has a sharp, bitter taste. Drugs derived from opium include heroin, morphine, laudanum, and codeine. Because these drugs can cause severe physical and psychologic dependencies, their use outside the pharmaceutical industry is strictly controlled in the West. The period necessary for physical dependency to occur varies with the type of drug and the amount and frequency of dose. With drugs of the morphine type, harm is often experienced indirectly, through preoccupation with drug-taking, personal neglect, malnutrition, and infection. These effects may lead to disruption of personal and family relationships, economic loss, and crime. When opiates use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur, often within a few hours after the last dose and reaching a peak within the next 24–48 hours. The most severe symptoms generally disappear within 10 days. The time of onset, peak intensity, and duration of the withdrawal symptoms vary with the type of drug and degree of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include alterations in behavior, excitation of the nervous system, and feelings of depression and anxiety. Physical disturbances, such as weight loss, abdominal cramps, nausea, and body aches, are also common.

See also: Drug; Narcotic.