While opium may seldom be used in its purest form, many prescription medications either contain opium or are synthetically made to produce opium drug effects. Likewise, heroin, one of the most popular opium-derived drugs on the market, produces some of the strongest opium drug effects of all.
Opium contains certain alkaloids known for their ability to attach to specific opiate receptors in the brain and throughout the body. According to the Institute for Substance Abuse Treatment Evaluation, once activated, these receptors secrete unusually high levels of neurotransmitter chemicals, which slow down central nervous system processes.
With continued use, the resulting brain chemical imbalances take the form of uncomfortable opium drug effects. Opium-type drugs also produce a “high” that ultimately drives a person’s desire to keep using.
As one of the most addictive types of drugs on the market, identifying opium drug effects early on can help prevent unforeseen consequences down the road. Here are 10 opium drug effects to watch out for:
1. Constipation
Opium causes constipation, nausea and more.
As central nervous system processes slow down, the body’s gastrointestinal functions also move slower. According to Northwestern University, constipation problems develop from slowed metabolism rates as well as a decrease in activity along the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Impaired metabolism functions affect stomach activity as well as the chemicals processes involved with breaking down food. Opium users will likely lose their appetite as these symptoms persist.
3. Sedation
Sedation remains an across the board opium drug effect regardless of the type of drug involved. Opium naturally causes an increase in brain endorphin secretions, which depresses the body’s state of arousal.
4. Body Temperature Changes
Brain chemical balances interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate body temperature. Both chills and sweats develop as the brain attempts to restore some form of chemical equilibrium.
5. Increased Tolerance Levels
Brain cell receptors become less sensitive to opium’s effects with each successive dose. As a result, larger doses of the drug must be ingested to produce the same desired “high” effect.
6. Brain Damage
As tolerance levels increase, brain cell functions and brain cell structures weaken over time. With long-term opium use, damage to the brain can become permanent, impairing a person’s overall cognitive, emotional and motor functions.
7. Muscle Aches & Pains
Opium directly interferes with pain signaling processes throughout the central nervous system. Once chemical imbalances develop, opium drug effects take the form of muscle aches and pains throughout the body.
8. Muscle Spasms
Opium’s effects on motor coordination functions can cause muscle spasms in any area of the body, but mostly in the extremities. This condition can result in serious nerve damage with continued drug use.
9. Fatigue
Slowed metabolism processes impair the body’s ability to digest needed food nutrients. This in turn affects the amount of energy a person has. Feelings of fatigue will persist for as long as a person keeps using.
10. Addiction
With long-term drug use, both the body and mind become dependent on opium drug effects. At this point, users start to believe they “need” the drug to cope with everyday life.
How to Avoid Using Opiates for the Holiday Blues -
Most people believe the holidays to be a time of joy and happiness, but to some they only contain stress, depression, and loneliness. According to the popular news website CNN, the majority of the people who suffer from the holiday blues do so because of the emphasis on family and happiness when they are not ... 
How Do I Reconnect with Family During Opium Addiction Treatment? -
Opium addiction can be very difficult on the addicted individual, but it can also seriously hurt their family members, friends, and other loved ones. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Drug abuse puts a lot of stress on parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents––anyone who is part of the home,” and this often causes ... 
Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs and Dual Diagnosis -
Dual diagnosis patients require a more intensive treatment approach in order to have all issues addressed and get the best chance at recovery. 
The Benefits of Brief Intervention Therapy for Curbing Opiate Abuse Practices -
Alcohol and drug addiction affects different people in different ways. Likewise, some people enter the recovery process during the early stages of opiate use while others may take considerably longer. Brief intervention therapy works to meet each person where he or she is at in the recovery process. While not as well publicized as traditional ... 
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 ...