Abstract

Dr. Ritu Kapoor* and Dr. Chandan Singh

ABSTRACT

Opium addiction is a notable global health issue, presenting intricate hurdles for individuals, families, and communities. The Papaver somniferum L., commonly known as the poppy plant, belongs to the Papaveraceae family and is indigenous to Southeast Europe and Asia. Widely cultivated worldwide for diverse purposes, it lacks a wild form and is frequently grown as an ornamental flower across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. With over 40 distinct alkaloids discovered in this species, including morphine, codeine, thebaine, and noscapine, it undergoes genetic and environmental influences shaping the presence and composition of these alkaloids. The primary medicinal use of the opium poppy in ancient Indian Ayurvedic literature is well-documented. Purified opium, derived from the dried latex of the plant's capsule, was traditionally used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhoea, spasms, and pain. The seeds of poppy plant has nutritive value. It contains 21.22g of protein along with 74% of thiamine and 21% of folate for daily need. However, its addictive potential has led to widespread misuse and dependence. Individuals may initially use opium for various reasons, including pain relief, stress reduction, or curiosity, but can quickly become ensnared in a cycle of addiction. Opium addiction is characterized by physical and psychological dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use. These symptoms can be severe and include cravings, muscle cramps, nausea, insomnia, and agitation. The social and economic consequences of opium addiction are profound, impacting individuals' relationships, employment, and overall well-being. Treatment options for opium addiction vary and may include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and holistic interventions, while psychotherapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) address the underlying psychological factors contributing to addiction. Various medications are being mentioned in ancient text regarding addiction. In this article effectiveness of vishtindukadi vati will be discussed.