Opium Withdrawal

Opium withdrawal is one of the many consequences of opium addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are experienced when the drug is discontinued by the user. Opium is the crudest form and also the least potent of the opiates. It is the milky latex fluid contained in the un-ripened seed pod of the opium poppy. As the fluid is exposed to air, it hardens and turns black in color. This dried form is typically smoked, but can also be eaten. Opium is grown mainly in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Afghanistan.

When first used, opium can give users a feeling of euphoria, extreme calm, or well being. Their troubles may seem unimportant and nothing else really matters, except for the fact that the drug works. But often nightmares and hallucinations may come into play when the affects of the drug wears off.

Opium is highly addictive. Scientists believe that opium addiction is in part due to the alkaloids found in the drug. These alkaloids will build up in the user's system and stay there for 24 to 48 hours. Tolerance (the need for higher and higher doses to maintain the same effect) and physical and psychological addiction develop quickly.

Opium withdrawal symptoms include nausea, tearing, yawning, chills, and sweating. Individuals who use opium regularly will find that it is hard to stop using because of the opium withdrawal effects they may feel. If an individual has had an opium addiction for an extended period of time it is best for them to taper off gradually. This will help to reduce the amount of alkaloids in their bloodstream, and will also lessen their opium withdrawal symptoms somewhat.

Opium withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

• anxiety
• cramps
• depression
• diarrhea
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• mood swings
• muscle spasms
• nausea
• sweating
• vomiting

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