Opium is a sedative in the form of a white fluid extracted from the poppy plant and used to make Heroin. Opium is available in the form of dark pieces, or powder, or pills, or syrup, or suppositories, depending on the type of drug derived from it.

Neurons response to Opium

Opium affects the neurons in the CNS and thus causes changes in the brain and body, and affects as well the nerve cells in the spinal column controlling accordingly the automatic body movements such as coughing and breathing. Opium also affects the feeling of pain, preventing the nerves from sending these feelings to the brain. The use of opium on an ongoing basis affects the functioning of neurons in the brain; as a result, these neurons become accustomed to its presence and thus it becomes indispensable for the normal functioning of these neurons later. The elimination of opium from these addicted cells makes it work in a way that exceeds its normal functioning. These cells might return to normal functioning later, but it causes during that period the symptoms of abstinence which appear usually a few hours after the last dose taken by the abuser.

Abstinence Symptoms

1.Discomfort
2.Yawn
3.Shedding tears
4.Diarrhea
5.Intestinal colic
6.Chills
7.Nose flow
8.Longing and a strong need for the drug

The most important symptoms of abstinence happen between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose taken, and end a week after that dose. Some bodily functions might need a period of at least six months to function normally again. Still, the abrupt abstinence of abusers who suffer from chronic health problems might lead to their death in some cases.

Woman addicted on Opiate suffer from gestational problems during pregnancy and from premature birth. Besides, the symptoms of Opiate abstinence are directly related to the fetus’ death at birth.

Close-term impacts

The close-term effects of opium use appear after the first dose and disappear during hours or days. Opium activates the higher centers of the brain for a brief period followed by a decrease in the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). Directly after injecting opium in the artery, the abuser experiences different feelings while he lacks the feeling of pain, hunger, and sexual desire which is usually associated with agitation, nausea and vomiting.

With the increase of the drug dose, the feeling of warmth, the increase in the weight of the legs and hands, mouth dryness and the feeling between consciousness and drowsiness during which the abuser forgets the whole world surrounding him gradually change into a gradual decrease in the breathing rate until the abuser losing consciousness, and his pupil becomes smaller, his skin becomes blue, cold and wet, and the abuser becomes threatened with death.

Long-term impacts

Opium abusers are exposed to the infection of the interior membranes and the heart valves, the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV/AIDS as well as heart diseases, tetanus and brain damage through non-sterile injections.