There are a wide range of effects that opium derivatives can have on the body including physical drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms and health problems.
When opium is smoked, the drug causes a short-term high that includes relaxation, pain relief, reduced anxiety and impaired alertness and coordination. These effects usually wear off in about 3-4 hours. Using opium for a prolonged time or using opium excessively can lead to a tolerance of the common side effects of opium and the user may not feel as relaxed when the drug is used. In fact, over time, opium use can lead to heightened anxiety, weight loss, and mental deterioration. There is even a potential for death to occur as a result of opium overdose though not common unless a derivative of the drug is being used.
The harmful effects of opium are not often noticeable until the drug has been used for many years. Prolonged use of opium can lead to lung disorders including emphysema and cancer. Smoking opium also causes damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and various other organs of the body. This damage does not necessarily repair itself or go away when the drug is no longer used which is why it is so important to stop opium abuse as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the body.
As opium use progresses, the body becomes tolerant to the drug and the pain reduction qualities of this drug or its derivatives are not as profound. Feelings of pleasure and euphoria are ultimately replaced with feelings of desire or need to use more and more of the drug to produce similar euphoric effects. Opium tolerance such as this often leads to dependence and opium addiction.
Common opium effects include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Reduced anxiety
- Sense of emotional detachment or floating outside one’s self
- Reduced pain
- Reduced stress
- Sleepiness
- Altered mood, altered mental state
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Reduced energy
- Reduced sex drive
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired vision
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you know is abusing opium and need help, contact Opium.org for a free counselor referral at 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?). Our helpline is available 24/7 to assist you in finding the right treatment for your needs.
How to Avoid Relapse After Opiate Addiction Treatment -
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin and opiate addiction are powerful addictions. The chances of relapsing back into opiate addiction are extremely high. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple ways to avoid relapse. Avoid People and Places you Associate with Using It is likely that the people and places you used ... 
Opium Detox, Opium Overdose and the Need for Ongoing Opium Addiction Treatment during the Holiday Season -
Opium drugs run the gamut as far as types and potencies, both legal and illegal. In spite of the range of opium drug types available, they all damage the brain and body in the same ways. Likewise, the opium detox process is hard regardless of the type of drug that got you there. Once a ... 
Is Infrequent Opium Abuse Still Dangerous? -
The abuse of opium, however infrequent, is always dangerous, as it could lead to many problematic and even deadly consequences. Call now to find rehab centers where you can be treated for opioid abuse and addiction. Opioid Abuse is Dangerous No matter what, the illegal, recreational use of opioid drugs is always risky and could ... 
Signs Your Child is Abusing Opium Derivatives -
Opium carries with it images of far flung, exotic locales. We think of opium dens and Chinese men smoking for days from long pipes. Opium dreams were inspirations for the poet Coleridge and for composer Chopin. Opium feels dated and somewhat romantic. But, it isn’t. If someone in your life is abusing opium, you know ... 
Tips for Overcoming Opium Addiction -
Opioid Addiction is a chronic addiction that is lifelong. Opiates are highly addictive and a tolerance is built with each use. As the tolerance is built, the body also then goes through a certain amount of withdrawal after each use and those symptoms increase as the dose needed to achieve the desired high does. As ...