Several opium addicts have died recently in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, Daily NK has learned.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Daily NK source in North Hamgyong Province said Monday that a man in his 50s who lived alone after his wife divorced him over his opium habit was found dead by the head of his neighborhood watch on Apr. 13 when she came by to deliver instructions regarding Kim Il Sung’s birthday on Apr. 15.
The man – who used to take opium at least twice a day – had shown signs of mental problems when he was unable to buy opium this year due to debts and worsening money problems.
Another man in his 50s – unable to work because of his opium addiction and wandering around after selling his house – was found dead on the street in March. County police confirmed his identity during an investigation.
Opium has long been known as a cure-all in North Korea and is often used as a substitute for medicine, even for relatively common ailments such as diarrhea. Many elderly North Koreans even take regular opium injections, believing that opium injections every six months will help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Because people use opium as a substitute for medicine, some take too much or too often and become addicted. The number of addicts has risen, especially in rural areas, as some people grow opium secretly in their homes to avoid crackdowns.
“People who get addicted to opium can’t stop and keep buying opium even if they have to sell all their possessions,” the source said. “Because of this, most opium addicts end up on the streets or living alone after divorce.
“Opium addicts eventually die after suffering from symptoms such as tremors, headaches and anxiety because they are starving due to lack of food and can’t buy opium due to lack of money due to the recent economic difficulties,” he added.