The picture shown is the extremely powerful and addictive plant Opium Poppy. Humans began using this plant around 3400 B.C. in Mesopotamia (Southwest Asia) for medicinal and spiritual reasons. These people realized the true power and potential of this natural gift and passed it onto other cultures. Greek mythology is thought to be linked with Opium use. Often priests and other high ranking religious figures would take high doses and go to the Oracle to seek enlightenment. In a state of delirium these men would return with "messages from the gods" and record what they had experienced. It is thought that Opium use within Greek culture may have influence on belief in polytheism. Gods like Zeus, Hades,and Aphrodite had heavy influence on the outcome of daily life. The people did everything they could to please them including human sacrifice.
World wide during the mid 1800's Opium dens were present in China, France, Southeast Asia, and North America. These were literally little huts that only served the purpose of smoking and selling Opium. This is a highly addictive substance so junkies visited regularly. Non smokers would also walk in on occasion looking for a good time. Dealers wouldn't hesitate to sell and eventually the United States attempted to crack down on opium. The major operations were located in Chinatown in both New Your and California. When Opium is smoked it is highly potent and fast acting. Opioids are among the most dangerous drugs due to the high risk of user dependency.
Modern day we have harnessed the potency of the plant and made it useful. Morphine, Hydro Morphine, Methadone, and Oxycodone are all Opioid based drugs that can alleviate severe pain. Morphine is used to put a patient under sedation when in excruciating pain (burn victims, car accident victims, ect.). Our bodies are actually equip with Opium receptors, when the chemical enters the body it binds to these. The other drugs listed are pills given to people who often are not able to function unless heavily sedated. These prescription pills are falling into the wrong hands and are being abused in high numbers. Heroin has also been around sense the 1880's and has done nothing but destroy life's. Heroin is made by taking the sap from Poppy Opium and refining it into Morphine. After the morphine has been produced it is again refined into Diaorphine, more commonly known as Heroin. This substance can be injected directly into the blood stream or smoked. It's so powerful that many users do not remain conscious throughout high.
Next week will conclude narcotics by looking deeper into Heroin and introducing the problem Hollywood Drug Codeine. Many rappers drink "Lean", a Promethazine Codeine prescription caught suppressant. They pour a few ounces of the liquid into a styrofoam cup, mix it with sprite, and drop a Jolly Rancher into into the solution. Opioids have had more negative affects than positive, lives are destroyed daily because of them
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