Opiates are natural derivatives of the opium poppy, like morphine, while opioids include both natural and synthetic drugs, like heroin and fentanyl. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are different: Opiates refer to natural opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. Opioids refer to all-natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic opioids. The main difference is in how opiates and opioids are made.
“The term ‘opioid’ is broader, encompassing all substances, natural and synthetic, that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. ‘Opiate’ is a more specific term referring only to naturally occurring alkaloids derived from opium.”
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)2
Both opiates and opioids have legitimate medical uses, including pain relief, anesthesia, cough, and diarrhea suppression, and treating opiate/opioid use disorder.
Illicit use of these substances is also common among individuals with substance use disorders.
The primary distinction between opiates and opioids lies in their production methods.
Key Points
- “Opiates” are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant, specifically referring to substances like opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin (which is synthesized from morphine).
- “Opioids” is a broader term encompassing all substances that bind to opioid receptors, including natural opiates, semi-synthetic drugs (like oxycodone and hydrocodone), and fully synthetic drugs (like fentanyl and methadone).
- The key difference is origin: opiates are natural, while opioids include both natural and lab-created substances. Opioids were developed to expand medical applications and can have varying potencies.
- Both opiates and opioids are used medically for pain relief, anesthesia, and other treatments. However, their powerful effects also lead to high risks of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
- “Opioid” is increasingly used as a blanket term in general and clinical contexts due to its broader scope, especially when discussing the opioid crisis, which is driven by both natural and synthetic substances like fentanyl.
- Understanding the distinction is important for precise communication, especially in medical settings, but for general discussions, “opioids” is often the more inclusive and relevant term.
Opiates
Opiates are drugs naturally derived from the active narcotic components of the opium poppy plant. They include substances such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Heroin is also classified as an opiate and is synthesized from morphine. Opiates have been used for centuries for both medicinal and recreational purposes, known for their analgesic and euphoric effects. They work similarly to opioids, by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the intensity of pain signals and feelings of pain.
Opiates are naturally occurring compounds derived from the poppy plant. List of opiates include:
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
Opioids
Opioids are a broad category of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, and synthetic pharmaceuticals such as fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others. These substances are derived from the opium poppy plant and are known for their pain-relieving effects. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. They reduce the sending of pain messages to the brain, thus reducing feelings of pain.
The pharmaceutical industry has developed over 500 different opioid molecules, varying in their medical usage. Commonly used list of opioids in the U.S. include:
- Dextromethorphan (found in over-the-counter medications like NyQuil, Robitussin, TheraFlu, and Vicks)
- Dextropropoxyphene (Darvocet-N, Darvon)
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Methadone (Dolophine)
- Fentanyl (Ultiva, Sublimaze, Duragesic patch)
- Carfentanyl (Wildnil, for veterinary use)
General Classification: Both opiates and opioids are classified as narcotics, a term derived from Greek and Latin origins meaning sleep-inducing or numbness-inducing.
While opiates and opioids is the most accurate collective term for these drugs, opioid is commonly used as a blanket term.
In cases of dependence, individuals might switch between different opiates or opioids, whether prescribed or illicit, to manage their dependency and avoid withdrawal.
What is the Difference: Opioids Vs Opiates
| Aspect | Opiates | Opioids |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Naturally occurring compounds derived from the opium poppy plant. | Synthetically manufactured or semi-synthetic compounds, designed in laboratories. |
| Source | Extracted or refined from poppy sap and fibers. | Mostly made in the lab; may be partially synthesized from opium components or entirely synthetic. |
| Examples | – Opium – Morphine – Codeine – Heroin |
– Hydrocodone (Vicodin) – Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet) – Fentanyl – Methadone – Dextromethorphan (in cough syrups) – Carfentanyl (veterinary use) |
| Medical Uses | Pain relief, anesthesia, cough suppression, diarrhea suppression, addiction treatment. | Similar to opiates; wider range due to synthetic variety. |
| Production | Directly from natural plant matter. | Laboratory synthesized; can be fully synthetic or semi-synthetic. |
| Classification | A specific category of narcotics. | Broader Category with synthetic and semi-synthetic narcotics. |
| Dependency and Abuse | This can lead to dependence and abuse. | Similar potential for dependence and abuse; includes a wider range of substances. |
| Common Term Usage | Historically more common, it is now often encompassed under the term “opioids“. | Increasingly used as a blanket term for all substances in this category, including opiates. |
Origin
The key difference between the two lies in their origin. Opiates are natural drugs derived directly from the opium poppy plant. They include substances like morphine, codeine, and thebaine. These compounds are found naturally in the resin of the poppy plant, harvested as opium.
Composition
Opioids, on the other hand, encompass a broader category that includes synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs. These are man-made substances that are chemically modified from natural opiates or entirely synthesized in laboratories. Common synthetic opioids include fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol, while semi-synthetic opioids, derived from natural opiates, include heroin (from morphine), oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Opioids vs opiates – Effects and Uses
Both opioids and opiates work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain. However, synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids can be designed to be more potent than natural opiates. For instance, fentanyl is known to be significantly more potent than morphine, leading to its prevalent use in chronic pain management and anesthesia. This increased potency also contributes to higher risks of addiction and overdose.
Legal Status and Regulation: Opiates Vs Opioids
Most natural opiates and synthetic opioids are classified as controlled substances. They are legally prescribed for pain relief, anesthesia, and other medical conditions. However, due to their high potential for abuse and addiction, they are strictly regulated. Heroin, a semi-synthetic opioid, is illegal and classified as a Schedule I drug due to its extremely addictive properties.
Opioid addiction is a critical global issue. These substances can create a sense of euphoria beyond pain relief, leading to their misuse. Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence, and later, addiction. The body builds tolerance, necessitating higher doses for the same effect, escalating the risk of addiction.
Implications for Usage and Terminology
In clinical and general usage, the term “opioid” is now more commonly employed due to its broader inclusivity, accurately capturing the wide range of substances affecting opioid receptors. However, “opiate” remains relevant when specifically referring to the natural opium derivatives. In discussions about the opioid crisis, “opioids” is the more appropriate term, as it encompasses the synthetic drugs like fentanyl that are major drivers of current overdose statistics, alongside semi-synthetic and natural opiates.6
For clear communication, especially in medical settings, precise terminology is essential. While the terms are related and sometimes used interchangeably in general conversation, recognizing the specific definitions of opiates and opioids ensures accurate understanding and informed discussion about these powerful drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, reaching out for professional help is crucial. Contact our team at Still Detox by calling (561) 556-2677 to explore treatment options tailored to individual needs.
