Would you take a drug that enhances your creativity regardless of the consequences? Sumo Nova states, “Although writing was a form of poetic capture, and the intoxication of drugs may seem to undermine such a capture with the fleeting feelings and blurry thinking, many writers had used a variety of drugs as a source for inspiration” (“Opium”). Regardless of the physical aftermath, many 18th century writers used laudanum to spark their imagination and amplify their ideas. However, this drug led to many consequences, including addiction. Laudanum is an addictive drug that affects the functioning of the body, which was used to spark creativity by 18th century writers. Laudanum is an extremely addictive drug, commonly used to relieve pain in the 18th century. Originated from the opium poppy, laudanum was a more socially acceptable form of opium. In the 18th century, physicians encouraged the use of this drug for multiple medical …show more content…
One major active ingredient found in laudanum is morphine. In 1972, researchers from John Hopkins University discovered that the chemical structures of morphine and endorphins are nearly identical; both chemicals initiate good feelings (“Heroin in the Brain”). PBS states, “Like an evil twin, the morphine molecule locks onto the endorphin-receptor sites on nerve endings in the brain and begins the succession of events that leads to euphoria or analgesia” (“Heroin in the Brain”). Morphine mimics endorphins, thrusting the body into a state of happiness, excitement, and the inability to feel pain. In the hope of constantly feeling this way, users continue to take laudanum, causing the brain to rewire itself. If, at any time, laudanum is taken away from the user, the chemicals in their brain become unbalanced, which causes the user to experience physical symptoms such as vomiting. Laudanum can cause both short and long term effects, all of which affect the way your brain and body