Serious Question - Opium

[Steely_Dan]

Whenever you see someone smoking opium back in the day when they had opium dens, why is it that they lay on their side? I never could figure this out. Is it because they are afraid that they might fall down?

-Paige

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Because lying on your back means you have a pipe over your face?

[Steely_Dan]

2. I'm Confused...

Not sure what you mean.

[MilesColtrane]

3. A red hot ball of burning opium in your eye could ruin your whole day.

[Steely_Dan]

5. No, no no.....

I think I'm being misunderstood here. Of course I realize that you can't smoke it laying on your back...

All I was asking (and I didn't state it very well) is that every opium den you see whether it be in a painting or photograph, EVERYONE smoking is laying down (on their sides). I mean...can't they smoke it sitting up? You get the impression that it is "a part" of smoking opium. Maybe it is something as simple as "they are simply relaxing." But I don't think so. I think it is an essential part of smoking the drug...I just don't understand why? Maybe the drug is more effective when ingested in this position....I don't know.

-P

[MilesColtrane]

14. Ah, I see.

While I have never smoked opium, I can only guess that the proprietors of opium dens don't want their customers injuring themselves if and when they nod off.

Ingesting a powerful narcotic makes you lose muscle tone sometimes to the point of passing out or puking on yourself.

I guess it's easier to swab up the floor then a couch or comfy chair.

[Taitertots]

4. If you lay on your back or face then you can't smoke more opium n/t

[Lindsey]

6. I've noticed this too. I always thought it was because it was a

really relaxing position but believe it or not, I've wondered myself. A good friend of mine and I have this fantasy that if we KNEW the world was going to end in 5 days, we'd definitely smoke Opium....can't do it now because I know myself and I'd end up being an addict.

[XemaSab]

7. The thing that I'm curious about

there seems to be no social interaction in the opium den. Like you just lay there and veg and do your own thing.

Why would this be the case?

[MilesColtrane]

15. You get too high to be concerned about anything else.

It is...errr.. must be just that good.

[MiddleFingerMom]

8. Two things, I think...

.
.
.
.
...although I've never smoked opium (you can also make tea
from it). It's one of the few things that I've never tried --
and probably still would if given the opportunity.
.
.
Number one: It causes an incredible dreamlike experience
(from what I've read) and moving around interferes greatly
with that.
.
.
Number two: As with many opiates, movement can cause extreme
nausea and vomiting. Need I say more?
.
.
.

[old mark]

9. I did smoke O a few times back when we were at war with a small far eastern nation.

Believe me, you want to be laying down - it is instant dream land for maybe 30 minutes. I imaging people would lay on one side or another because that is the position they were in when they took their hit and drifted off...and there used to be a guy who came around to check and make sure no one was setting the place on fire or was dead or needed another opium ball.

I never smoked enough of it to get addicted to it, but I can certainly see the attraction of it, which is why I stayed away from it since...

FWIW, I didn't use pure O, but O mixed with hashish and pot. I have not used any illegal substances for over 30 years, or alcohol or tobacco for over 20 and I seldom even drink coffee or soda these days.


mark

[HopeHoops]

10. They'll end up on their sides anyway when they fall over. Better to start that way - fewer injuries

[zabet]

11. I always thought

they laid on their sides in the case of overdose.....which causes vomiting and if on the side, they are less likely to drown in their own vomit if they are unable to move. :shrug:

[Rabrrrrrr]

12. It's because of the dreamlike state of the opium high - the opium dens had beds

so people could lay down and do the dreaming.

And no interaction in the opium dens because it's a private kind of high.

[Seedersandleechers]

13. And that is where the phrase

"it's a pipe dream" came from.

[hippywife]

16. The few times I smoked it

I was sitting. Now, of course I can't remember how long I remained sitting. :o

[Redstone]

17. It's more comfortable that way. And opium, may I say, is truly

a wonderful drug. I've never cared much for Marihootchie, but opium's nice.

Does anyone else remember Khif? Or am I the only one?

Redstone

[many a good man]

18. They probably already fell down

and can't get up!

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