Types of Opiates

There are many different drugs that fall into the category of “opiates” or “opioids”. The term Opiates refers to natural opioids such as Heroin, Morphine and Codeine, while opioids more commonly refers to semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs (prescription drugs), such as OxyContin, Methadone, Demerol and Dilaudid. Opiates are derived from a natural source of opium found in poppy seeds. Heroin is commonly found as a street drug and is a derivative from the opium plant. People use heroin because of the euphoria felt as a result of over stimulated nerve reception in the brain. Heroin can be used in many different ways, but is mainly injected in order to receive a more intense effect. Morphine is found in the opium poppy and has been used as an analgesic for serious pain, usually of a medical nature. Morphine is highly addictive and can be taken in a number of different ways (snorted, injected, smoked, and swallowed). Morphine is not a popular street drug in the United States, however it can be prescribed for pain and is heavily abused as a prescription drug. Because of Morphine’s addictive quality, many people find that when they start taking this medication, even if used correctly, they begin to develop a tolerance and a craving for the feeling the drug provides. As with all opioids, Morphine is very dangerous and both physically and psychologically addictive. Codeine is also a derivative on the opium poppy, however like Morphine it is also commonly found in medical products rather than on the street. Although Codeine is a controlled substance under U.S. drug law, it is still heavily abused in popular culture. People who take Codeine habitually may find that they are unable to stop when they want to. Hydromorphone or Dilaudid is derived from Morphine and is prescribed and used to treat pain. Other drugs such as OxyContin and Demerol are also used in similar ways for pain relief. Other drugs such as Methadone also belong to the opioid family, all of which have moderately high to extremely high dependence rates.