Is My Opium Dependence Killing Me?

Because opium is no longer a medically approved drug for the treatment of pain or other issues, those who become dependent on it are usually abusing it. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that your constant abuse of and dependence on opium could be dangerous and even deadly.

Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) now to find safe, reliable treatment programs and to put an end to your substance abuse.

Is Opium Dependence Deadly?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Physical dependence can happen with the chronic use of many drugs––including many prescription drugs, even if taken as instructed.”

As a result, dependence is not always a sign of a dangerous or deadly condition. However, the use of opium is no longer medically sanctioned for treating pain or other issues, meaning those who become dependent on opium have often been using the drug recreationally and are therefore likely to be addicted as well.

Opium dependence can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and an increasing tolerance to the effects of the drug, but the addiction syndrome associated with the drug’s abuse is what will likely cause any deadly effects.

Overdose is one of the most dangerous possibilities associated with opium abuse, and a person who has been taking the drug often and in large doses is at a high risk for this. As such, the physical and psychological dependence one has on opium may not itself be deadly, but there are a number of issues associated with this problem that can cause fatal results.

The Dangers of Opium Abuse

Opium dependence can lead to a fatal overdose.

The NIDA states, “When abused, even a single large dose” of an opioid drug “can cause severe respiratory depression and death.”

Overdose is a likely possibility when a person abuses an opioid drug consistently, and unlike some other overdose syndromes, a person could experience fatal symptoms very quickly. In addition, opium abuse can lead to addiction, which is also extremely dangerous.

While an individual who is dependent on opium usually won’t experience deadly withdrawal symptoms (like those associated with alcohol and sedative abuse), they are in particular danger of deadly overdose during or after withdrawal (National Library of Medicine).

Because relapse is such a likely occurrence during this time, it is not safe to detox alone from opium abuse.

How Can I Find Help?

You can find help by attending a professional treatment program in a rehab center. Opium abuse can be dangerous, as it leads to many problematic side effects, and it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid these.

Your opium dependence may not be killing you, but there is a strong likelihood that you could overdose on the drug whether you continue to abuse it or you attempt to detox without professional help.

Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) today to find rehab centers that offer medically assisted detox and addiction treatment. We can also answer any questions you may have about recovery and ensure that you gain access to the program that will be most beneficial for your needs. Call now.

Am I Dependent on Opium?