Opium—often called “poppy tears”—is the dried latex extracted from the unripe seed capsules of the Papaver somniferum plant, also known as the opium poppy. This thick, sticky sap is harvested through a traditional process where workers delicately score the surface of the green seed pods, allowing the milky substance to seep out. Once exposed to air, it hardens into a resinous yellowish-brown crust, which is then scraped off and collected.

Chemically, opium is a cocktail of powerful alkaloids. Around 12% of it is composed of morphine—an extremely potent painkiller that serves as the primary building block for heroin and other opioid drugs, both legal and illicit. Alongside morphine, it contains other natural opiates such as codeine and thebaine, as well as alkaloids like noscapine and papaverine, which have non-analgesic properties.

Addiction doesn’t always come wrapped in bottles, pills, or needles. In fact, many forms of addiction manifest through behaviors that don’t involve ingesting any substance at all. These are known as behavioral addictions, and despite the absence of physical withdrawal symptoms, they can be just as destructive—emotionally, socially, and psychologically.

Behavioral addiction is marked not by chemical dependency, but by a compulsive urge to engage in a particular behavior even when it causes harm. Whether it's gambling, excessive shopping, or binge eating, the individual feels a temporary psychological reward—often described as a “high”—during the activity. But this is typically followed by shame, guilt, or a growing sense of loss. Without structured support or treatment, the person finds it nearly impossible to stop, even as their life unravels around them.

Drug addiction is one of the most widely misunderstood conditions in the modern world. Despite how casually the word "addiction" is thrown around, it is far more than just a bad habit or a lack of willpower. Addiction is a deeply rooted, long-term brain disease, and it doesn't simply disappear with a stern “just say no.” If you're someone who finds yourself asking, “Why do people become addicted to drugs?” or perhaps “Why did my loved one fall into addiction?”, it's important to first understand that addiction isn’t a moral failing—it’s a complex medical issue that changes how the brain works over time.

The dangers of drug use are widely known, but what many people overlook is the significantly increased risk when substances are mixed together. This practice—referred to as polydrug use—occurs when two or more substances are taken simultaneously or within a short window of time. While users may chase a stronger high or more intense effects, the reality is far more dangerous: combining substances can trigger unpredictable reactions in the body, amplify toxicity, and in many cases, lead to long-term health consequences or sudden death.