This group of drugs includes opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine. Opium appears as dark brown chunks or a a powder and is usually smoked or eaten. Heroin can be a white or brownish powder which is usually dissolved in water and then injected. Other opiates come in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, syrups, solutions, and suppositories. Sometimes opiates with legal medicinal uses are also abused.
Opiates tend to relax the user.
Other initial and unpleasant effects include restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. With very large doses, the user cannot be awakened, pupils become smaller, and the skin becomes cold, moist, and bluish in color. Breathing slows down and death may occur. Withdrawal symptoms include uneasiness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, sweating, nausea, and runny nose and eyes. The intensity of these symptoms depends on how much was taken, how often, and for how long.