Opiates, sometimes referred to as narcotics, are a group of drugs which are used medically to relieve pain, but also have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from the seed pod of the Asian poppy. This group of drugs includes opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine.
Opium appears as dark brown chunks or as 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 also are abused. Opiates tend to relax the user. Other initial and unpleasant effects include restlessness, nausea, and vomiting.