What are opiates?

Opiates are specifically defined as drugs that are derived from the opium poppy. This group of substances includes naturally occurring compounds such as morphine and codeine, which are found in the resin of the opium poppy plant. The classification is important because it distinguishes these substances from other types of opioids that are synthetically manufactured or semi-synthetic, such as heroin or oxycodone.

The focus on the origin of opiates highlights their natural characteristics and aligns with their pharmacological properties, which are primarily associated with pain relief and sedation. Understanding this definition is crucial for anyone studying substance use, addiction, or therapeutic approaches in mental health and medical fields.