Invigorated Writers, Quieted Children, and Self-Interested Pharmacists: The Proliferation of Opium in 19th Century Britain

The proliferation of opium use in 19th century Britain significantly affected the country's social culture due to it becoming a mainstream substance used by people of many social standings. Opium is a historic case study for addiction due to its economic impact and changes to the legal regulation of medicine. Poor legislation and enforcement, untimely and ineffective response, and financial self-interest caused the 19th century epidemic of opium addiction. Opium was the right drug at the right place and right time. Pharmacists and medical professionals protected their financial self-interest, and failed to enforce regulation of the drug. Although they were aware of the black market emergence of opium, and the consequence of continual use, they rendered the regulation ineffective.