Someone who is abusing opium will show signs of their abuse. These warning signs are noticeable and, if you are concerned about whether or not your loved one is engaging in opium abuse, look for them.
1. Constipation
According to the DOJ, “Opium inhibits muscle movement in the bowels leading to constipation.” If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing opium, this may be a sign. If your friend or family member complains of this issue or sees a doctor about it, it could be because of the constant use of opium.
2. Dryness of Mouth and Nose
Most people who abuse opium smoke it. While it does give the user respiratory issues in long term use, “it also can dry out the mouth and mucous membranes in the nose” (DOJ). The person who may be abusing opium would show signs of it through constant sniffling, dryness of the nose and skin around the nose, and dry mouth. The person may even have cracked or dry lips as a result. The smoke may also give the person bad breath, and they might chew gum constantly to cover it.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone who has been abusing opium for a long time may become dependent on the drug. This will cause them to show signs of withdrawal if they are unable to get more of the drug. Because opium is a Schedule II substance and, therefore, not often used as a medicinal drug, a person could run out of their supply. Some people may use prescription opioids to try and subdue withdrawal symptoms, but a person who is experiencing opium withdrawal will exhibit signs of:
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is a sign that someone is dependent on opium.
- Muscle and bone pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Flu-like symptoms
- Runny nose
- “Abdominal cramping” (NLM)
- Chills
- Dilated pupils
- Goose bumps
According to the NLM, withdrawal symptoms from opioid-based drugs, including opium, “are very uncomfortable but not life threatening.” If you notice these sings, the person may be going through opium withdrawal.
4. Constricted Pupils
A person’s pupils will become very constricted if they are taking or smoking opium. This occurs when the person is intoxicated and usually high from smoking. Opium smoking will cause pupil constriction, but very small pupils are a sign to be concerned about. If someone’s pupils are extremely small, this is called pinpoint pupils because they will look like the head of a pin. It can be a sign of opium overdose. Because this sign is so obvious and tied to opioid-based intoxication, doctors commonly look for it when admitting a patient who may be in danger of opioid overdose.
Other symptoms of opium overdose, according to the DOJ, are: “slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness,” and coma.
5. Strange Behavior
Someone who is abusing opium may:
- Stop spending time with those who do not abuse opium to only spend time with those who do
- Have strange mood swings
- Become very irritable or defensive when asked about their opium use
- Hide opium from others in their home
- Do dangerous things in order to obtain more opium (drug-seeking behavior)
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 ... 
Signs and Symptoms of Opium Overdose -
While opium may seem like an “old school” drug from the 1960s, opium-type drugs remain very much in use today. Opium, a byproduct of the opium poppy seed plant, forms the basis for a wide spectrum of prescription pain relieving drugs. This means, opium overdose risks apply for many of the most commonly used prescription-based ... 
Opium Side Effects You Should be Aware Of -
Opium has many side effects, some of which are mildly annoying and others which are potentially harmful. Many people who abuse opium attempt to deal with these side effects by taking over-the-counter medications or using home remedies, but some of them can cause real issues for the individual if they are not careful. Opium’s Effects ... 
Choosing the Best Fentanyl Addiction Treatment -
By understanding your particular needs and doing the appropriate research, you can find the best Fentanyl addiction treatment for you. 
Opium Side Effects -
Many long & short term side effects result from the use of opium including damage to the lungs and other organs. Repeated use of opium in a manner conducive to causing physical dependence can lead to lifelong consequences that are both difficult to treat and difficult to cope with. Although the side effects of opium that are ...