Opium is a substance that is derived from the poppy plant and which causes a euphoric state when smoked or eaten. The drug is considered a narcotic and was widely abused throughout Chinese culture for hundreds of years before the dangers of addiction were first noticed. Opium addiction has led to life-threatening consequences, dangerous illness and a world of hurt for millions of people. If you or someone you know is addicted to opium, addiction treatment is available to help you get well.
Opium addiction treatment helps people who live with opium addiction to quit using this dangerous drug and get back on track to a happy, healthy, drug free life. Historically, opium has been used to reduce pain, promote relaxation and induce sleep but in the late 17 hundreds, the Chinese realized that opium is actually a highly addictive substance which leads to physical dependence and a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Opium addiction treatment programs focus first on the treatment of withdrawal symptoms and then on the psychological elements of the addiction. Detox is the first step of any treatment program and consists of a period of time in which opium is not used and the user gradually overcomes physical dependence on the drug. The opium detoxification phase can last anywhere from 5 days to about 2 weeks depending on the severity of the addiction and the level of drug use.
Following detox, the patient will be treated for the psychological elements of the addiction which may include depression, anxiety or other conditions. Counseling and therapy will take place to provide effective treatment for the underlying reasons or problems that led to the opium use as well as for any co-occurring conditions or prevalent disorders which have resulted from the sustained opium use.
Often times, a user will relapse many times before he or she finally gets effective help that works. Unfortunately, addiction is like many other medical conditions in that most patients only follow through with the treatment protocol about 50% of the time. This means that there’s a 50% chance of recovery with each time that opium addiction treatment is completed. The dangers of continuing to abuse opium are too significant to let treatment slip away – left untreated, opium addiction can lead to:
- Mental illness
- Physical health problems
- Menstrual irregularity
- Infection
- Coma
- Reduced sex drive
- Collapsed veins
- Death
Many of the side effects of opium addiction will go away on their own with time (and abstinence from drug abuse). Unfortunately, even opium addiction treatment can’t fix all of the long term effects of opium addiction which is why it’s so important to seek help as soon as possible if you or someone you know is abusing opium or any opium derivatives such as heroin or morphine. As time & the addiction progress, the treatment protocol needed to overcome the addiction will be more invasive and the long term effects associated with the drug abuse will also be more invasive.
Let Us Help You!
Opium addiction is a serious condition that affects millions of people. We can connect you with a counselor that can help you get well and overcome the strongholds of opium addiction once and for all.
Are Synthetic Opiates Dangerous? -
Synthetic opiates are manufactured for a number of reasons. Primarily, these drugs are made to offset some of the negative effects associated with natural opiates. Even then, there are many risks associated with synthetic opiates, especially in the event that a person abuses one or more of these drugs. There are times when medical patients ...
Do I Need Treatment for Opium Addiction? -
If you are concerned that you might be addicted to opium, you should consider formal opium addiction treatment. Many individuals become quickly addicted to opium when they use it recreationally, and often, treatment is the only answer. Ask yourself if you might need treatment for opium addiction. Opium Addiction Treatment Opium is an addictive drug ...
10 Reasons to Seek Treatment Instead of Your Next Opioid Fix -
Professional treatment is necessary for someone who is addicted to opioids. Below are 10 reasons why you should seek treatment now, instead of reaching for that next fix. Call to find safe, reliable rehab options that will cater to your needs. 1. Your Relief Will Only Be Temporary If you decide to use opioids to ...
When Does Opioid Use Turn Into Opioid Dependence and When to Get Treatment Help? -
Prescription opioid drugs have become a standard treatment model for dealing with conditions involving pain symptoms. In spite of the dangers associated with their use, more often than not, pain treatment approaches incorporate some form of opioid-based medication treatment within their standard protocols. While it’s well known that the recreational use of opioids carries a ...
4 Tips for Talking to Your Child about Drug Use -
Becoming a parent is one of the biggest moments of anyone’s life. However, even after years of going through the various stages of growth, it can be very hard for a parent to discuss drugs with their children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, when a parent talks to their kids ...