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Re:Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the US... by darawk on Thursday October 24, 2019 @07:28PM (#21350232)
That may be what the OP was thinking, but it's not the case. You can very much OD on regular Opium. It is even easier to OD on its extracts (specifically morphine), and even easier still to OD on its synthetic analogues (fentanyl). However, you can absolutely OD and die on pure opium.
Re:Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the US... by idDriven on Thursday October 24, 2019 @08:00PM (#21350424)
The dude said 'unintentionally' overdose on opium. This article covering Laudanum (opium + alcohol tincture) deaths in the 1800s sounds like the overdoses were largely intentional or one where an adult dose was given to a child. https://www.apnews.com/910654effffe42f985ebe01f299407f5 As long as the strength is known most addicts will measure the dose or titrate up safely.
Re:Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the US... by darawk on Thursday October 24, 2019 @08:20PM (#21350525)
I'm aware, I repeated his 'unintentional'. Unintentional overdose deaths on Opium are certainly less common than fentanyl. But they are nowhere near as difficult to achieve as Marijuana, which is basically impossible.
Re:Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the US... by cc-d on Thursday October 24, 2019 @11:06PM (#21351481)
>That may be what the OP was thinking, but it's not the case. You can very much OD on regular Opium

Read above. Orally, it's a strong emetic. Unless a user takes vastly more than a normal dose for their body weight, they will vomit and be fine. Opium, when smoked, is even safer as users pass out well before overdose.

It is easier to overdose on acetaminophen, and many other things you can pick up over the counter at your local pharmacy.

> It is even easier to OD on its extracts (specifically morphine)

Yes, but this is why I am using the word opium, and not morphine.

> its synthetic analogues (fentanyl).

Fentanyl is not an analog of anything found in opium, it's an entirely different molecule with no relationship whatsoever to the traditional opiates.

Re:Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the US... by darawk on Friday October 25, 2019 @02:28AM (#21352440)
I'm aware of all that. People still overdose on opium frequently. Users that are more tolerant to the opioid nausea will not vomit as readily when ODing. The emetic effect is not as strong or as universal as you seem to think it is.