Opium is a substance derived from the milky fluid, or latex, found in the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy, scientifically known as Papaver somniferum. This latex is traditionally collected by scoring the poppy pods, allowing the fluid to ooze out and dry into a sticky, dark-brown gum. Opium contains various naturally occurring compounds, primarily alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine.
Ingestion Through Smoking
Smoking is a historically prevalent method for ingesting opium, allowing for rapid absorption of its active compounds. Raw opium, which is a sticky gum, is typically prepared by heating it and forming it into a small pellet for smoking. This preparation process often involves boiling and drying to refine the substance and remove impurities.
The process of smoking opium involves specific equipment, most notably a long-stemmed pipe with a ceramic bowl and a specialized oil lamp. The opium pellet is placed on the pipe bowl and held over the flame of the lamp. The heat from the lamp vaporizes the active compounds, rather than burning them, producing an inhalable vapor.
The smoker inhales this vapor directly into the lungs. Inhalation leads to a swift onset of effects because the active compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the vast surface area of the lungs. This direct route bypasses the digestive system and liver, resulting in a quicker impact compared to other methods.
Oral Ingestion Methods
Another common way to consume opium involves oral ingestion, where the substance is taken through the mouth and processed by the digestive system. This can include eating or chewing raw opium directly, often as nuggets, a pasty mass, powder, or pills.
Opium can also be prepared as a liquid for drinking. Dissolving the raw opium in water or other liquids creates infusions or tinctures. One notable preparation was a solution of opium in alcohol, historically known as laudanum, which was widely used. Such liquid forms were sometimes mixed with other substances like wine or various spices.
Oral ingestion results in a slower onset of effects compared to smoking. The active compounds in opium must first pass through the digestive system and then be metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This “first-pass effect” reduces the amount of the drug that ultimately reaches the systemic circulation, leading to a more gradual and prolonged impact.
Other Consumption Methods
Beyond smoking and oral intake, other methods have been used to ingest opium, though some are less common for raw forms.
Suppositories, often powdered opium, are prepared and inserted rectally. This allows for absorption through the mucous membranes of the rectum, providing a systemic effect. Historically, they were used for pain relief and to address conditions like urethral spasms.
Topical application, such as in poultices or balms, is another historical method. While absorption through the skin is generally minimal, some traditional practices involved applying opium externally for localized effects. The efficacy of this method for systemic absorption is limited compared to other routes.
Injection of raw opium is uncommon due to its impurities and insolubility in water. However, derivatives like morphine are commonly injected. This method delivers the active compounds directly into the bloodstream or muscle, leading to a rapid and potent effect, bypassing both the digestive and respiratory systems.