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.
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.
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.
