ABSTRACT
According to historical evidence, the abuse of opium has been reported all over the globe-specifically throughout Eastern nations-since the sixteenth century. Before that, opium had mostly been applied as medication. Reference has been made in traditional Persian medical literature to the method of cultivation, properties, side effects and toxicity. In sixteenth century Iran, during the reign of the Safavids, opium abuse began. It was from then that prominent Persian scholars started to think of solutions to this societal problem. One of the most famous scholars was Imad al-Din Mahmud ibn Mas'ud Shirazi, who composed a book concerning addiction-Afyunieh, a comprehensive book on the topic of opium and all issues of opium. Furthermore, he recommended methods for reducing opium dose as well as substitution with other medications that had a narrower range of side effects, in order to eradicate dependency upon opium and opium-derived materials. This is most likely the first book that comprehensively addressed opium and discussed drug rehabilitation methodology, in traditional Persian medical literature. In this historical review, the authors have introduced the book Afyunieh, which presents methods for treating addiction to and giving up opium; the text comprises a synthesis of the author's opinions, professional experience and references to the work of other famous physicians.
ABSTRACT
Background: Today opium dependence is widely prevalent in certain states of India, especially Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh (MP) etc. In rural areas of western Rajasthan crude opium is consumed with a social acceptance by a notable proportion (8.0%) of adult male population. Later on they become addicted to it. Objective: to observe the changes in some liver and lung function parameters in opium addicted subjects of Barmer city of Western Rajasthan. Methods:The present study was conducted in district hospital of Barmer, Rajasthan. Total fifty (50) adult male subjects with age ranged from 30 to 50 years were participated in this study. Among them 25 were opium addicted and were considered as study group (Group B) and another 25 apparently healthy adult male of same age group were designated as control group (Group A). Opium addicts were consuming about 5–11 gm/day opium for >2 years. Then liver function tests were evaluated by estimating serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and lung function tests by measuring FVC, FEV1 , FEV1/FVC% , PEF, FEF 25-75% of both the groups. Results: In this study AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels were found significantly (p<.05) higher in group B as compared to those of group A. Again, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC were significantly (p<.05) lower in group B as compared to those of group A. PEF (L/sec) and FEF25-75% were also significantly (p<0.001) lower in group B as compared to those of group A. Conclusion: it is concluded that chronic long term use of opium, increases the risk of hepatic and pulmonary damage.