Can Unrefined Opium be addictive?

[Jamesdafourth]

Swim, my pet hamster, has a question for you guys.

How powerful is the crystallized sap from Papaver Somniferum (Opium Poppies), and can it be addictive if not taken as a habit? Swim has high willpower, but knows that just about everyone says that. He (Swim) wants to use it as a painkiller, and only under RARE circumstances (such as getting his foot caught in his hamster wheel and snapping his leg)

[xxxSuSHixxx]

SwiPF's opinion on that is... anything can become addictive, SwiPF was addicted to meth the first time he used, mentally and physically, and potency depends on how Swiyou make it i guess.... ((so swipf's read))

[moda00]

Yes, it can certainly be addictive. Opium in any form has the same basic components with the same basic effects. However, while opiates are addictive, not everyone who uses opiates becomes addicted, and I think that if they are used on rare occasions, and especially if they are used as painkillers as opposed to just to get high, the risks of addiction diminish. Route of administration also impacts a drug's addictive potential. Ie. taking opiates orally is generally less risk than smoking, which is less risk than IVing (this can vary but basically it is because the speed of onset and the bioavailability increase and thus the act of using the substance becomes more reinforcing). Swim doesn't have personal experience with unrefined opium but assumes one would smoke it. The other thing to consider would be if swim has risk factors for addiction. No one can predict who will become addicted, but factors such as past addiction to another substance, family members with addiction history, and swiy's own evaluation of his/her personality and risk. Since poppies can often be cheaper and more readily accessible than say prescription painkillers or heroin, there is an additional risk in having it around if one thinks they could get into the habit of using too frequently. But if one plans to use only on rare occasions or under certain circumstances, and watches out for signs of addiction (withdrawal, cravings, trouble getting by without it, rationalizing, taking risks one wouldn't usually take, lying about use, etc.) then it may be time to reevaluate. But it is certainly possible to use opiates in general, and opium in particular, in responsible ways and with moderation.

[Panic_Upset]

Absolutely it can! Opiates in my "Jupiter's" opinion become most addictive when one uses them primarily for the mental affect as opposed to the physical. This is true however with most drugs, In dogs opinion. Use it for a fun time every once in a while, but most of all use self control to limit how often you use it. Opium is dangerously addictive, but if it came between opium and cocaine, we should all choose op in contrast to other more dangerous drugs. Where does one come about finding this herbal hamster medicine?

Have a Good Day!

"I Am At A Constant Loss For Spoons!" - Jupiter C. 2000 A.D.

[darkglobe]

PMSL.

Times two.

Hah. Not one word.