Opium, and both the natural and synthetic drugs derived from it, can cause a number of side effects when the drug is abused. These side effects can range from annoying to severe, but the most common of them can all be problematic in their own way.
Itchiness
Opium causes the skin to become extremely itchy when abused often. This also occurs with most opioid painkillers prescribed by doctors and, according to Scientific American, “in some cases, the irritation is so bad that patients will opt to cut back on painkillers.” While it has been discovered that the itchiness is caused by only one opioid receptor that the drug binds to, opium itself causes a fair amount of discomfort and irritation when people abuse the drug. It is something many addicts are used to as well as being a telltale sign to others that someone is abusing opium or another type of opioid drug.
Constipation
Constipation is, as stated by the International Journal of Clinical Practice, “the most common and debilitating symptom” of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (or OBD). Almost all individuals who abuse or even take opioids clinically experience this issue, and it occurs because the drug inhibits movement in the bowel muscles.
Many people who abuse opium would rather take over-the-counter medications or just ignore the problem than see a doctor about their constipation. This can lead to a number of gastrointestinal problems, as many opium abusers do not want to give up the drug in order to relieve their constipation. Still, it is probably the most complained-of side effect when it comes to any type of opioid use or abuse.
Dry Mouth and Nose
Opium abuse can cause dry mouth and bad breath.
Most individuals experience dry mouth when abusing opium regularly. The drug can also cause bad breath, especially when it is smoked. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the dryness caused by opium abuse often affects “the mucous membranes in the nose” as well, leaving the inside of the nose dry and uncomfortable.
Drowsiness
When people abuse opium, they usually do so to experience the relaxation, the euphoric high, and the pain relief that go along with using the drug. However, drowsiness is another strong effect the drug has on the mind, and many people do not realize how tired they will become after smoking opium or abusing it in another way. This can make driving and participating in other activities very dangerous.
Respiratory Depression
A small amount of respiratory depression is always caused when a person abuses opium or another type of opioid. However, this can be extremely dangerous when opium abuse is coupled with drinking large amounts of alcohol, a common occurrence. A person’s breathing could become severely slowed, even to the point where they stop altogether. When someone smokes or ingests a large amount of opium on its own, the same problem can occur, leading to overdose and possibly unconsciousness, coma, brain damage, and death.
Do You Want to Learn More about the Side Effects of Opium Abuse?
Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) to learn more about opium abuse and its side effects, or to find out information about local treatment centers where you can receive help.
Am I Dependent on Opium? -
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide.” Both synthetic and natural opioids, and illicit and prescription substances under the same category, are derived from opium, a highly addictive, natural substance that can cause dependence after long term use or abuse. ... 
10 Signs You Need Opioid Abuse Treatment Now -
Opioid abuse can quickly turn to addiction, requiring intensive treatment in order to help patients recover. We can help you find safe, reliable rehab centers that will cater to your needs. Call today. 1. Withdrawal Symptoms If you have begun to experience withdrawal symptoms as a side effect of your opioid abuse, it is time ... 
Acute Stress and Your Addiction -
Traumatic events affect people in many different ways. Some individuals are able to work through their tragic event, but sometimes others have more trouble being able to move past their horrors. In some people, acute stress disorders can be developed as a reaction to their event. This causes them to feel anxiety and disassociation for ... 
5 Things Opiate Users Say -
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are over 24 million opiate users worldwide. Unfortunately, opiate addiction is very similar no matter where you go. When someone is using opiates they tend to use the same lines over and over. Many people make the same excuses or say the same things when you ... 
5 Reasons to Choose Outpatient Opium Rehab -
Most opium addicts cannot recall the last time they actually enjoyed using opium. Instead, their use has become a form of torture for them as they toil in vain to feel “normal” and hold on to what they haven’t yet lost. It doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s outpatient opium rehabs take a humanitarian ...