In our most recent poll, we asked readers if there is a difference between an opioid and an opiate. Approximately 65 percent of people responded with the correct answer: yes. But, do you know what that difference is? While subtle, the distinction between opioids and opiates is significant. read more
Opium is an opiate, and is the source from which other semi-synthetic opiates are derived, such as morphine and heroin. Opiates are a class of drugs that people can take. These are drugs that interact with the *opioid* receptors in the brain, to trigger an artificial experience of opioids. read more
Opiates are alkaloids derived from the opium poppy. Opium is a strong pain relieving medication, and a number of drugs are also made from this source. Opioids are synthetic or partly-synthetic drugs that are manufactured to work in a similar way to opiates. read more
The difference between opioids vs. opiates encompasses a range of factors that all work together. Drug type, drug effect and the body’s response all play into differentiating between opioids vs. opiates. Natural Opiates. The opium poppy plant has given rise to an entire class of drugs known as opiates. read more