So, late the other night as I was falling asleep, I was thinking about my current WIP. Naturally, I thought of something great, forgot it, then finally remembered it in a flash of intuition (I love those moments).
My thought goes just a little beyond the realm of historical accuracy. I was thinking of having my main character have a problem with opium. It's the late 18th century. I did some research, and from what I can tell, this isn't too wild an idea. Opium was in use for centuries before this time, but really had only come into use in Europe medicinally. I found that some French sailors used it recreationally, however.
My character is French and my thought is that a sailor he happens to know intorudces him to opium. During the course of the story, he turns more and more to the substance [i won't make it a major theme, just part of the idea of him becoming too invested in a particular person].
Problem 1: Addiciton to opium was practically unknown at this time in Europe, though probably was possible.
Problem 2: This person truely existed and I'm fairly certain this historical person never actually used opium.
So . . . I'm asking for some opinions. Do you think it's objectionable to have this character using/becoming dependent on opium?
My thought goes just a little beyond the realm of historical accuracy. I was thinking of having my main character have a problem with opium. It's the late 18th century. I did some research, and from what I can tell, this isn't too wild an idea. Opium was in use for centuries before this time, but really had only come into use in Europe medicinally. I found that some French sailors used it recreationally, however.
My character is French and my thought is that a sailor he happens to know intorudces him to opium. During the course of the story, he turns more and more to the substance [i won't make it a major theme, just part of the idea of him becoming too invested in a particular person].
Problem 1: Addiciton to opium was practically unknown at this time in Europe, though probably was possible.
Problem 2: This person truely existed and I'm fairly certain this historical person never actually used opium.
So . . . I'm asking for some opinions. Do you think it's objectionable to have this character using/becoming dependent on opium?