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Opium . Description. It is made from the white liquid in the poppy plant. No current medical use. Used commercially as raw material for production of morphine and codeine . Opium appears as a fine brownish powder, black/brown block of tar-like substance, or liquid .
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Description • It is made from the white liquid in the poppy plant. • No current medical use. • Used commercially as raw material for production of morphine and codeine. • Opium appears as a fine brownish powder, black/brown block of tar-like substance, or liquid. • Opium is just a mixture of several different drugs known as opiate alkaloids.
Classification • Opium is classified as a central-nervous depressant. • Opium can be eaten, smoked, or mixed in a liquid.
Slang/street terms • Big O • Black stuff • Block • Midnight oil • Hop • Dream gun • Tar • Easing powder • Gee • Toys
Psychological Effects The Brain The Body The user experiences a rush of pleasure, followed by an extended period of relaxation, freedom from anxiety, and the relief of physical pain. Opium also inhibits muscle movement in the bowels, leading to constipation, or the inability to have a bowel movement. • Opium binds to the brain receptors that search for pleasure-enhancing endorphins and painkilling enkephalins
Similar drugs • Morphine • Codeine • Heroin • Methadone • Hydroquinone • Fentanyl • Oxycodone
Dependence • Physical and psychological dependence for Opium develop quickly. • Physical dependence occurs when the body has become used to the opiate being there, and has adapted to using it in order to function properly. If the opiate is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms will occur. • Withdrawal from opium causes nausea, tearing, yawning, chills, and sweating. • Psychological dependence occurs when the person begins to crave the opiate effects. This type of dependence is known as addiction, and is very powerful and hard to overcome.
One Myth • Opium is not as dangerous as heroin. It is a traditional ancient substance and can’t be too bad for you. • Opium may have a long history of use, but it is also dangerous and even deadly. Long before scientists understood opium, they could observe that addicts would eventually care more about smoking opium than eating or drinking water.