Many long & short term side effects result from the use of opium including damage to the lungs and other organs. Repeated use of opium in a manner conducive to causing physical dependence can lead to lifelong consequences that are both difficult to treat and difficult to cope with. Although the side effects of opium that are felt short-term such as euphoria or sedation may be comforting, as tolerance develops, even these side effects will diminish and the negative aspects of the opium use will quickly begin to set in.