Opium and its Derivatives

People around the world have used opium for thousands of years. Texts from the first civilizations in Sumer and Mesopotamia describe its frequent use, and archaeologists have even found that ancient peoples devoted entire sections of their cities to its use. Although most people today only understand its recreational use, the drug has also been used for medicinal and even spiritual purposes.

However, most modern people use opium for either recreational or pharmaceutical purposes. Scientists have developed many opium derivatives over the years, and people throughout the world have become addicted in vast numbers. Understanding the different types of opiates, their effects, and their habit-forming potentials is crucial for societies to prevent even more cases of addiction from occurring. Here are some of the most common opiates used today.

Pure Opium

Opium in its purely plant-based form is rarely used in the United States. Typically grown in Afghanistan, this version of the drug was mainly used in ancient times for various purposes – and without social taboo. It is now illegal in most countries, and it can be very difficult for dealers to smuggle in its pure state. It produces the euphoric effects that opiate users seek, but growers typically reduce it into other substances for easier concealment and shipping.

Morphine

First synthesized in the early nineteenth century, morphine was one of the first opium derivatives to gain popularity in the industrial world. It has been widely used in the treatment of severe pain, especially in surgical settings. Soldiers have even carried morphine to alleviate the incredible pain cause by battlefield wounds and operations.

Though it is more often used medically than recreationally, people throughout the world have become addicted to morphine through recreational use. People who heavily use the drug for its euphoric effects can develop addictions within weeks. Thankfully, chronic pain sufferers who are given morphine tend not to develop dependencies as easily – though it is still possible.

Heroin

Also called diacetylmorphine, heroin is actually synthesized from morphine. Although doctors in some countries still use heroin for medical purposes, its most common use in the United States is recreational. Users report that it induces stronger feelings of euphoria and relaxation than other opiates, and researchers have found that it carries a much higher risk of addiction than its chemical cousins. Although its use and distribution carry stiff legal penalties, tens of millions of people throughout the world are addicted to heroin. This addiction is particularly dangerous because the involved needle usage often leads to the spread of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.

Codeine

Codeine is an opium alkaloid which typically has less severe effects in users than morphine or heroin. It is frequently used to treat mild pain, colds, diarrhea, and other ailments. It can still induce feelings of euphoria, however, and people through the United States and United Kingdom have become addicted. These addictions problems are exacerbated by the fact that codeine is often available as in ingredient in over-the-counter medications.

Despite their differences, all opiates involve great risk of addiction. If you are struggling with opiates or other drugs, use the links below now. Our dedicated addiction specialists are standing by day and night for your toll-free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help.

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