What is Opium?
Opium is a highly addictive narcotic drug acquired in the dried latex form from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) seed pod. Traditionally the unripened pod is slit open and the sap seeps out and dries on the outer surface of the pod. The resulting yellow-brown latex, which is scraped off of the pod, is bitter in taste and contains varying amounts of alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, thebaine and papaverine.

Opium has influenced humanity for centuries. Ever since it was first used thousands of years ago, it has fascinated mankind with its powerful and addictive effects. Opium use has a strong grip, and many great people have been tempted by the drug. Some of history’s greats may have even been influenced by it. Here are some influential historical figures who were dependent on opium.

http://www.drugs.com/illicit/opium.html

http://listverse.com/2015/09/25/10-historical-figures-who-were-dependent-on-opium