Opioids

History

Although opium use originated for medicinal purposes, abuse of it has become a problem. In approximately 4000 bc, opium was cultivated by the Sumerians and used for purposes such as management of pain, treatment of diarrhea, and sedation. Opium use is noted in Ancient Egyptian medical texts as an antidote for mental and physical pain among Islamic cultures and was used as a general sedative among Portuguese traders around ad 1500. The commodity of opium became extremely important to the Chinese, which led to one of the world's biggest drug problems. These problems stemmed from disagreements between British and Chinese trade officials and are known historically as the Opium Wars.

Morphine was used commonly in the 19th century for soldiers who were wounded in wars such as the Crimean and the U.S. Civil War. In the 1800s, opium was used as a "cure-all" drug. It was prescribed to women for menopause and also for depression and nervousness. Not knowing that opium prescriptions could lead to addiction, physicians also prescribed hypodermic morphine for asthma and angina and even to those who were anemic. At the beginning of the 20th century, over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup and cold medications were loaded not only with opium but also with a mixture of cocaine, morphine, and alcohol. Kits with heroin were sold in stores such as Macy's and Sears, and it was not uncommon to find a drug kit including vials of heroin along with a reusable syringe.

Opiates versus Opioids

Coming from the Greek word opos, which means "juice" or "sap," opium was originally blended in liquids to drink or even chewed and eaten. Owing to the bitter taste of opium, the potential for abuse was relatively low. However, over the years experimentation with different usages, new refinements of the drug, and the synthesis of chemicals that mimic natural opiates have increased the benefits of opium as well as the abuse. Although opioids are safe when used correctly, they have the potential for addiction. When used illicitly, opioids are used to induce feelings of euphoria and pleasure.