Opium

Opium is a narcotic substance obtained from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. It has been used for thousands of years, with records suggesting its use in Mesopotamia as far back as 3400 BCE.¹ The drug has been deeply interwoven into the history of civilisations, both for its medicinal properties and its addictive characteristics. Originally utilised for its analgesic effects, it played a significant role in the global drug trade, leading to events like the Opium Wars between Britain and China in the 19th century.²

The primary active ingredients in opium are alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine. These substances are used as the basis for synthetic opioids used in modern medicine.³ However, the misuse of opium and its derivatives can result in severe health consequences, including addiction, respiratory depression, and even death.⁴

The pharmacological effects of opium mainly involve the central nervous system. It acts as a depressant, slowing down bodily functions and decreasing the perception of pain.⁵ However, its misuse has led to various societal problems, including the current opioid crisis, which has significant implications for public health.⁶

Appearance

Opium is usually encountered in a resinous form, resembling a dark, sticky tar-like substance. The colour can range from deep brown to almost black. The variance in texture—from sticky to hard—can often depend on factors such as purity and age. The dark hue is often an indicator of the presence of various alkaloids and other organic compounds within the substance.⁴

Tastе

Opium has a taste that is generally described as bitter. This bitterness is due to the presence of alkaloids like morphine and codeine, which are some of the active ingredients responsible for opium’s analgesic and psychoactive effects. The bitter taste is a common trait of many substances containing alkaloids.⁷

Smell

The odour of fresh opium is quite distinctive, often described as strong and floral. This scent can serve as an identifying factor and may indicate its freshness. The aromatic compounds contributing to its scent are part of the complex chemical makeup of opium, which includes both its active and inactive constituents.⁴

The dosage of opium varies significantly due to factors such as purity, form, method of administration, and individual tolerance. Here are some general guidelines:

• Minimum to Feel Something (mg): When ingested, the threshold dosage is generally 5-15 mg. At this point, individuals may begin to feel mild effects like relaxation or a slight sense of euphoria.
• Low Dose: A low dose typically falls within the 15-30 mg range. Effects at this dosage may include noticeable relaxation, mild pain relief, and some emotional blunting. However, even low doses can be risky for those with no tolerance or pre-existing health conditions. ⁵
• Common Dose: A common dose for more robust analgesic and psychoactive effects usually falls between 30-60 mg. Effects may include strong pain relief, significant mood elevation, and increased risk of adverse reactions like nausea or respiratory depression.
• High Dose: Doses beyond the range of 60-100 mg are considered high and significantly increase the risk of adverse effects such as severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and overdose. The likelihood of long-term dependency also grows exponentially at these levels. ⁵

What May Happen When Exceeding the High Dose

Exceeding a high dose of opium poses significant risks, including severe respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Other severe side effects could include loss of consciousness, hypotension, and potential cardiac arrest. Exceeding high doses also significantly increases the risk of overdose and long-term addiction.⁵

Users often report feeling a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and analgesia. Some may experience a heightened sense of well-being, while others could report emotional detachment or drowsiness. These effects are largely due to the morphine content in opium.⁵

The onset of effects depends on the method of administration. When smoked, opium’s effects can be felt within minutes. Oral consumption generally takes longer, usually about 15 to 30 minutes, for the effects to manifest. ⁴

The duration of opium’s effects varies but can last between 4 to 6 hours when smoked or taken orally. Individual metabolic rates and the method of administration can influence this duration.⁵

The use of opium comes with numerous risks, including but not limited to respiratory depression, addiction, gastrointestinal issues like constipation, and potential overdose. Overdose can lead to severe outcomes, including death, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.⁴

Opium is highly addictive due to its morphine content. Dependency can develop quickly, leading to both physical and psychological addiction. Problematic use can have severe health, social, and legal implications.⁶

Opium is classified as a Class A drug in the United Kingdom, making its production, distribution, and possession illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Being caught in possession can lead to up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.⁸

Opium has significant interactions with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids. Combining these can exponentially increase the risk of respiratory depression and fatal overdose.⁵

1. DEA Museum. Cannabis, Coca, & Poppy: Nature’s Addictive Plants. [Online] Available at: https://museum.dea.gov/exhibits/online-exhibits/cannabis-coca-and-poppy-natures-addictive-plants/opium-poppy
2. PBS Frontline. “The Opium Kings: Opium Throughout History”. [Online] Available at: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/heroin/etc/history.html
3. PubMed. “The Papaver somniferum L. genome and the evolution of the opium poppy”. [Online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22786464/
4. ADF. “Opium”. [Online] Available at: https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/opium/
5. Drugbank. “Opium”. [Online] Available at: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11130
6. Substance Abuse Policy. “The opioid crisis and the 2020 US election: a scoping review”. [Online] Available at: https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-020-00272-8
7. Britannica. “Opium”. [Online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/opium
8. Gov. uk. “Drug penalties”. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing