Opium is no longer a medically used treatment for pain relief. You should never take any opioid-based drug for the treatment of pain without consulting a doctor. Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) now to find rehab centers that will help you put an end to your opium abuse.
Opium ≠ Pain Medication
Because opium is the natural substance that many pain relieving opioid medications come from, some people believe the drug to be a safe and effective way to treat pain. However, because it is habit-forming and not medically sanctioned for this purpose, you should never attempt to use it to treat yourself.
According to the National Library of Medicine, you must “always take narcotics as prescribed.” Currently, opium is not a prescription medication for the treatment of pain, so it is unsafe to take for this purpose.
If you have been taking opium without consulting a doctor and in order to treat pain, you are putting yourself in a very dangerous position.
The Risks of Opium Use
Opium is a natural substance, and because of this, many people do not realize how dangerous it is. Unfortunately, it is extremely potent, and those who use it without realizing its intensity are likely to become addicted to it.
While individuals will experience “the relief of physical pain” when using opium, the Drug Enforcement Administration states that they will also encounter “a euphoric rush, followed by relaxation,” which is very similar to the high associated with heroin use.
In addition, regular opium use can lead to a number of side effects, including:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dry mucous membranes
- Confusion
- Stomach problems
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Dependence
- Tolerance
- Addiction
- Overdose
- Death
Because any individual who uses opium relieve pain––or for any other reason––is not being treated medically with the drug, there is a strong likelihood they will become addicted, dependent, and tolerant it its effects, causing them to continue to abuse the drug in higher and higher doses.
The drug is not considered safe for pain relief treatment, not just because it causes many problematic side effects, but also because a doctor would never recommend it for this purpose. This means you would be using it illicitly, which will only lead to more issues.
Why Isn’t Opium Used Medically?
Like heroin, opium is an extremely addictive and potent substance that was once used medically to treat pain and other issues but has since been found to be problematic and dangerous for this purpose.
Treating yourself with opium is not a safe way to manage your pain. If you are suffering from some degree of physical pain, the only safe way to receive treatment with a pharmacological option is to talk to your doctor and to utilize the medically recommended medication prescribed to you.
Opium is Dangerous and Treatment is Necessary
If you have been taking opium for pain or to get high, you have been abusing the drug and will likely require professional rehab treatment in order to recover. Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) now to find safe, reliable treatment options and to receive advice on which program is best for your particular needs.