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The Deep-Rooted History and Impact of Opium Addiction

Explore opium's ancient ties to culture & addiction.

September 26, 2023

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

Ancient Rome

The intricate relationship between humans and the opium plant stretches far back into the annals of history. This bond, although fraught with challenges, offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of addiction and the power of plant-derived substances.

A Glimpse into Ancient Times

The history of opium addiction extends back thousands of years. It's enlightening to note how significantly the opium plant has influenced various ancient cultures. Regions like Eastern India, China, and the Far East, abundant with naturally growing poppy fields, have been intertwined with this plant for millennia. Intriguingly, the opium plant predates human existence, suggesting its integral role in the environment and its importance in the evolutionary journey.

Interplay with Animal Instincts

The opium plant's effects are not restricted solely to humans. Delving deeper into the brain, one discovers that opium's site of action lies within the instinctive portion - a segment we share with many animals. Over 800 animal species might succumb to opiate addiction if exposed. However, their exposure remains seasonal due to their inability to store and preserve the plant. Their excessive consumption when the plant is available hints at a universal allure of the opium plant.

From Ancient Plants to Modern Medicine

The journey of plant evolution on our planet intertwines closely with the development of animal life, forming a connection that manifests in various ways. One such connection is the opium plant's link to the human pleasure center, making it a tantalizing substance many wish to experiment with due to the euphoria it can induce.

Furthermore, the opium plant is but one example of nature's pharmacy. Many effective medicines prescribed for an array of human conditions trace their origins back to ancient plants. This deep-rooted relationship underlines the significance of plants in the evolution and survival of various species, including humans.

In Conclusion

The opium plant's longstanding history and its profound impact on both humans and animals emphasize the intricate and sometimes perilous relationship between species and their environment. While the pleasure centers of the brain draw many to the allure of opiates, understanding this connection can offer insights into addiction's nature and the potential paths to address it.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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