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.