Opiates are
analgesic alkaloid compounds found naturally in the
opium poppy plant
Papaver somniferum. The psychoactive compounds found in the opium plant include
morphine,
codeine, and
thebaine. The term
opiate should be differentiated from the broader term
opioid, which includes all drugs with opium-like effects, including opiates, semi-synthetic opioids derived from morphine (such as
heroin,
hydrocodone,
hydromorphone,
oxycodone, and
oxymorphone), and synthetic opioids which are not derived from morphine (such as
fentanyl,
buprenorphine, and
methadone). All opioids, including the opiates, are considered drugs of high abuse potential and are listed under the Controlled Substances Act.