What Is An Opiate?

What is an Opiate?  An opiate is the term used to describe the narcotic opioid alkaloids that are found as natural substances in the opium poppy plant.  Opiates are used in the medical field, in illegal substances, and in religious ceremonies in certain parts of the globe. The most common opiates include codeine, morphine, papaverine, and thebaine.  Some other semi-synthetic opiates include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.  All opiates, prescription or illegal, are addictive and they do have negative effects on a person if they are misused.

What Is An Opiate?  Most Commonly Known

Morphine is the most prevalent alkaloid found in opium and it makes up 10% to 16% of the total mass of the substance.  This medical opiate is used in the treatment for pain after surgeries or if a person is in serious need of a quick pain reliever.  Morphine use can lead to pulmonary edema, coma, respiratory depression, cardiac failure, and respiratory failure.

Codeine is the most commonly abused opiate around the globe.  This drug is used medically and illegally all over the world and is highly common in many prescription cough medicines and pills given to people of all ages.  Codeine use can lead to respiratory depression, delirium, stupor, mental depression, somnolence, and dysphonia.

Thebaine is the most poisonous of the opiates mentioned, and is not used in the medical field at all or as an illegal substance.  Thebaine is only used when creating prescription drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone.  Using thebaine under any circumstances can lead to death within minutes of misuse.

Papaverine is synthetically manufactured because of its antispasmodic effects.  Used in many prescription drugs, this drug can cause common side effects such as dizziness, pain, swelling, upset stomach, and constipation; if papaverine is abused side effects can include respiratory failure, coma, depression, and delirium.

What Is An Opiate?, Call Now

An opiate, as you can see, is not one thing, but several small alkaloids that make up one beneficial and deadly product.  If you are still wondering, what is an Opiate, please contact one of our professionals today.