Dictionary

An opiate is a drug derived from the opium poppy plant and is used to relieve pain and induce sleep. Opiates include natural substances such as morphine and codeine and synthetic compounds such as fentanyl. They bind to specific receptors in the central nervous system, leading to pain perception, mood, and consciousness changes.

Opiates are commonly used in medicine as pain relievers and are prescribed for various types of pain, including acute pain, chronic pain, and cancer-related pain. However, they can also be highly addictive and have a high potential for abuse and overdose, especially when taken in high doses or used for non-medical purposes.