Story: Drugs

A laudanum and opium user

A laudanum and opium user

In the late 19th century laudanum, which was opium suspended in alcohol, was more commonly used as a medical pick-me-up by middle-class women than by any other social group. Occasionally, as in this case from Auckland in July 1890, such women became addicted to the drug with unfortunate consequences.

Using this item

National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: Star, 25 July 1890, p. 3

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Drugs - Colonial drug-taking', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/39558/a-laudanum-and-opium-user (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 5 Sep 2013