Opium poisoning in modern times. An overview

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Opium, derived from Papaver somniferum L., has seen a resurgence in reported poisonings, particularly in industrialized countries.
• Historically prevalent in traditional regions, opium abuse and intoxication cases are now reappearing in Western literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of acute opium intoxication.
• To compile and analyze recent cases of opium poisoning across various contexts and geographical locations.

Main Methods:

• Literature search using keywords like "opium poisoning" and "Papaver somniferum" in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other online resources.
• Inclusion of government reports and documented online cases to ensure broad data capture.
• Hand search of reference lists for comprehensive study identification.

Main Results:

• Five categories of opium intoxication were identified: recreational use (often as a heroin substitute), folk remedy use, consumption of poppy seeds, body packing, and suicide.
• Recreational opium use and folk remedy applications were frequently associated with fatalities and occurred in both traditional and industrialized settings.
• Poppy seed consumption and body packing represent other significant routes of accidental opium exposure.

Conclusions:

• Acute opium intoxication remains a relevant clinical and public health concern, necessitating increased awareness and preventative strategies.
• The diverse modes of opium exposure, from recreational use to accidental ingestion, underscore the need for updated medical and forensic understanding.
• Fatalities associated with opium poisoning highlight the inherent dangers of this substance, even in contemporary settings.