 opium poppy, Papaver somniferum  The common street names for opium are Ah-pen-yen, Auntie, Auntie Emma, Big O, Chandoo, Chinese Molasses, Chinese tobacco, God’s medicine, and hops.  The main alkaloids in opium are codein, narcotin, and morphin, the most active being morphin which has a chemical formula of C17H19NO3

 Opium is a complex substance that contains a mix of alkaloids making this drug a Class A drug  Due to its high potential for addiction it is a Schedule 2 drug.

 Opium originated in Mesopotamia (Southwest Asia)  The Humerians referred to this as the Hul Gil meaning the joy plant  Greek and Roman physicians used opium for a pain reliever and sleep inducer  As people began to learn more about the powers of the plant, more people began to demand Opium and wanted to expand its availability

 Opium comes from a plant so production can come from plating Opium seeds and growing the plants until they are well enough to extract the drugs from  It is made by extracting the sticky gum that oozes out of the opium poppy plant  Production has slowed down since 1906 where 41,000 tons were produced compared to studies in 2002 that show only 5,000 tons were produced

 Studies have shown that the most common users for opium are under the age of 30 and those who are over the age of 40 have a smaller percentage of using the drug  In the 1960’s, males outnumbered females in the usage of Opium  The drug helps people to relax and relieves pain and anxiety  It can be bought at the black market or from a drug dealer

 Opium lasts about four hours  Opiates replace nerve receptors and work as a pain killer  This drug is highly addictive therefore physical and psychological dependence occur quickly  The medicinal value used to be to work as a pain killer but now it has no medicinal value

Side affects include:  Sweating  Loss of appetite  Impaired vision  Inability to concentrate  Altered mood and thought processes

 The drug is highly addictive and it replaces chemicals in the body  The brain and body can become used to being provided the chemicals causing an imbalance of chemicals in the body  The person can experience withdrawal and can become nauseated or depressed  The lethal dose for opium is about mg which is about two grams of opium

The presence of opium stays in the body for a long time which makes it possible to detect it through:  Saliva testing (can detect after a few days of use)  Hair testing (can detect after three months of last usage)  Blood testing

 For a first offense of 2.2 lb (1 kg) or more of a Schedule II substance is 10 years to life  A second offense carries a minimum 20-year sentence and fines not to exceed eight and 20 million dollars  Fines of up to four million dollars for individuals and 10 million dollars for organizations  There are many rehab centers and facilities that help people with addictions and encourage people to speak out for those who are addicted and help them seek help

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