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How Is Opium Used?

An Overview of Opium

Opium also called poppy tears is obtained from opium poppy and has about twelve percent morphine contained in it. In actual sense, the sap extracted from the inside of the seedpod of opium poppy that forms the opium product. The sap of the poppy is originally opaque and milky while in the pod. Usually, the harvester does slice the pod open. At this instance, the milky and opaque sap turns brown black and become very thick. Once this process ends, the harvester or the person in charge collects the opium in brick or balls and then takes it to the black market.

Common uses of Opium

The dry latex is used for a wide diversity of stuff. However, there are two prevalent uses of this latex in the society today. These include the following:Opium can be used in the pharmaceutical or medical field. It is common to find this used as an intoxicant also called recreational drug.

Use of Opium in the pharmaceutical or medical field:

The latex (opium in this case) is usually taken to a pharmaceutical laboratory for the extraction of the different types of alkaloids it contains. The alkaloid is referred to as opiate alkaloids. In general, latex contains three types of alkaloids used in medicine. The opiate alkaloids in this case are Morphine, Thebaine and Codeine, which are obtained through chemical extraction process. These three extracts are used for various form of medication.

For instance, morphine, also know as morphine sulphate, is a strong analgesic extract from opium and it is used to relieve pain and to heal severe cough. It works effectively on the nerves and the brains reducing the pain one feels or the urge to cough. However, before you can go ahead and take morphine, it would be wise to look at the following guidelines:Take time to read the instructions of the manufacture of the drug substance. These instructions usually come in a leafletTake the substance as directed by the doctor. Do not make the mistake of taking more or less, than what was initially prescribed. Under dosage and over dosage is not allowed in this case.The doctor may give you an advice to take morphine regularly or at particular times. This depends on the reason why you are taking morphine.

Codeine is another important extract from opium and is used for various forms of medication. Also referred to as 3-methylmorphine, it is an opiate with many benefiting medical use. It is mainly in use due to its analgesic, antihypertensive, hypnotic, anti anxiety and sedative features. Medical uses of this opiate include the following:Treating mild to moderate pains.It helps to relieve cough.It is highly significant in treating diarrhea and irritable bowel syndromes.It is used in suppressing premature labor contractions.Another medical use of this opiate relates to skin care in that it helps in relieving the skin off irritation brought about by itching.

When taking this drug substance, always make sure you follow the following simple rules:Follow the manufacturer's instructions and the doctor's prescriptions closely.Do not increase or reduce your dosage but take as directed by the doctor.Do not take more than what is required of you as this may lead to addiction and total dependency.

Thebaine is also a predominant alkaloid in opium and it is used to create the best painkillers ever known to man. Thebaine is used to create oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and some of the most common semi-synthetic opiate pain relievers.

Use of Opium as intoxicant

Using a drug as an intoxicant simply means that one is using such a drug for the purpose of self-excitement. For such an instant, one would be taking this as a recreational drug or fun purpose. In general, after the extraction and preparation process of the latex, it is usually ready for smoking or oral intake such as direct chewing or taking in a tea.

Usually, latex is not injected in the body. This is because it contains hazardous microorganisms; contain bacteria and fungi thus can never be injected.

Conclusion

Whether you are putting opium into medical use (legitimate use) or are using it a recreational (intoxicant) drug, which in this case is practically illegal, you should know that opium is very addictive. Not matter in what form you take it, addiction to it is prevalent. Always be cautious about it. It is recommendable for use in medicine only.