Opium
Drug Addictions
Facts:
Some short term effects are:
-slow heart rate
-poor behavior
-labored breathing (which can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body)
-lack of oxygen can damage blood vessels, brain and other organs
-constipation
-nausea
-dehydration
-vomiting
Some long term effects of using opium can potentially lead to drug tolerance. This means that you need to consume more of the product to get the same "feeling". Also if you keep consuming this, it could lead to addiction and physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can occurr if long term use is reduced or stopped
Opium in plant form
Opium after processed into drugs
Opium is a brown/blackish addictive drug prepared from the juice of the opium poppy and it is used as a narcotic and is also, an opiate. It typically is in a powder from.
Opium can be used in many different ways.
Interesting information:
-it was discovered in the 17th century in China
-opium is highly addictive
-the Chinese commonly used opium during rituals & surgery
-opium has been referenced in multiple different movies. The most famous one is The Wizard of Oz (it was used by the Wicked Witch put Dorothy asleep)
-most of opium is produced in Afghanistan
-opium seeds are often used as ingredients for food
Related issues to opium:
International- historically Chinese people use opium for their rituals. They made opium more common.
Consequences:
Where to find help:
If you have a drug addiction there a re rehab facilities available all over the country. Also, you could take part in Narcotics Anonymous, which is a free program, available to all that wish to stop abusing drugs. Another possible way of receiving help, could be to call help lines that are set up to help drug addicts (eg. 1-800-565-8603).