Opiates are narcotic analgesics derived from the opium poppy.
The opiates are present in a gummy substance extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy. Opium, a crude extract, is used either in the form of dark brown chunks or a powder. It can be eaten or smoked. Recent reports from the United States say that some addicts are now smoking heroin to avoid getting AIDS and other complications of injecting drugs. Smoking is also frequently preferred by users in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries.