Opium has a very long and complex history. Today, people know it as an addictive substance. However, it hasn’t always had that bad rap. Below is general information about the drug and opium addiction symptoms.

Brief History of Opium

Before getting into opium addiction symptoms, here’s a brief history of the drug. It comes from the opium poppy plant. The earliest reports of people using opium are from 5000 B.C. In that era, they used it in food and as an anesthetic.

Ancient Greeks combined opium with hemlock to assist with suicides. As time went on, Greece and many other countries learned that the drug relieves pain. Egyptians, Minoans, Sumerians, Romans, and Persians had their own uses for the drug as well.

In the 17th century, people in China used opium regularly. The government didn’t prohibit it in any way. Research suggests that nearly one out of every three Chinese males smoked opium often. With millions of developing an addiction to this drug, it didn’t take the government long to acknowledge opium drug effects.

Early Opium Addiction Symptoms

Opium is extremely addictive. The longer that people struggle with addiction, the harder than it is for them to recover fully. Thankfully, people can look for opium addiction symptoms in their loved ones, such as:

• Mood swings

• Agitation

• Lying about drug use and money

• Financial burden

• Irritability

• Wanting to isolate themselves from others

These opium addiction symptoms don’t always mean that someone has the disease. However, people should be on high alert to the possibility. If they determine that addiction is a problem, then they should seek help from an addiction treatment center

Dangerous Side Effects of Opium

Just because opium comes from a plant that grows naturally doesn’t mean that it’s not dangerous. In fact, many side effects manifest from abusing opium, including clammy skin, slowed or stopped heartbeat, and coma.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for people to overdose on opium as they continue to build up a tolerance. The higher their tolerance, the more of the drug that they have to take to get high. Eventually, they take a dose that’s too high, which causes overdose.

Overdosing on opium causes life-threatening reactions. A lot of people experience breathing problems, which can lead to passing out, coma or even death.

Withdrawing From Opium

Before seeking drug addiction recovery, people have to withdrawal from opium. However, the process is painful and typically leads to relapse. They have the best chance of getting through it when they seek professional help.

Keep in mind, however, that medical detox is just the first step in getting over opium addiction. Afterward, people have to seek professional rehab. Only rehab can help them develop the skills that they need to manage the disease and maintain their sobriety.

Pinnacle Peak Recovery Can Help You With Opium Addiction

Old civilizations used to abuse opium because they didn’t know about the dangerous side effects. Now we live in an age when people recognize the symptoms and addiction. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we offer addiction treatment programs for several drugs, including opium. Some of these programs include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

• Holistic treatment

• Individual and group therapy

• Gender-specific treatment

• Residential rehab

• Dual diagnosis treatment

Our holistic treatment options provide an alternative to traditional therapy. We believe that combining holistic and traditional treatments gives you the help that you need to beat addiction. Our holistic services include therapy with animals, yoga and meditation. They provide therapy that reduces stress and increases focus.

Don’t let opium addiction symptoms get the best of you. Find out what it takes to fight back at Promises Behavioral Health to Learn more about addiction recovery read our blog and check out our programs below!