Summary
Opium is a powerful drug that is derived from the Papaver somniferum plant, commonly known as the opium poppy. Opium has been used since before the time of the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians for medicinal purposes. Today pain is largely treated with derivatives of opium, most notably morphine, which is commonly used in hospitals and emergency rooms, and synthetic opioids, such as OxyContin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and drug combinations that include acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Although still used worldwide, pure opium is not commonly used or abused today in the United States. Many common synthetic opioids, however, carry a risk of abuse and addiction. Opium, Second Edition explains the history of this drug, how it affects the body and how abusers can be treated.
Chapters include:
- The History of Opium
- How Opium and Opioids Work
- Opioid Abuse and Addiction
- Treatment for Opioid Addiction
- Opium and the Law.
About the Author(s)
Christine Adamec has coauthored many books for Facts On File, Inc., including The Encyclopedia of Diabetes (2021) and numerous other titles providing in-depth analyses of pivotal medical and psychological issues. In addition, Adamec authored Amphetamines and Methamphetamine (2023) and Barbiturates and Other Depressants (2023) for Chelsea House's drug series. She is a thorough researcher and a clear writer who can hold the attention of readers of all ages with factual and important information that is compiled in an interesting format.