Opiates

Opiates are a group of drugs that include morphine, heroin, and codeine. They are powerful pain relievers and are often used in medical settings.

Opiates are derived from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), and have been used for thousands of years for their pain-relieving and calming effects.
Morphine, named after Morpheus the Greek god of dreams, was first isolated by Friedrich Sertürner in 1804.
Heroin was synthesised from morphine by C. R. Alder Wright in 1874, and it was later mass-produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Opiates function by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. This binding reduces the perception of pain and can produce feelings of euphoria.
The binding of opiates to opioid receptors in the brain also results in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. However, with repeated use, the brain adapts and requires the drug to maintain normal levels of dopamine.

While opiates are effective pain relievers, they come with serious risks including dependency, overdose, and death.
Regular opiate use can lead to tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect, and dependence, where the body requires the drug to function normally.
Overdose of opiates can lead to respiratory failure as the drugs can slow or stop breathing by acting on brainstem areas that control respiration.
Opiate withdrawal can cause symptoms such as muscle aches, restlessness, and vomiting. Despite being uncomfortable, withdrawal is typically not life-threatening.

In a medical setting, opiates are invaluable for their ability to control severe pain. They are especially important for pain relief in palliative care, particularly in terminal diseases such as cancer.
However, due to their high potential for abuse and dependence, they are typically reserved for severe, acute pain, or for chronic pain when other treatments are ineffective.
Scientists are always looking for new ways to create pain relievers with the benefits of opiates, but without the associated risks of tolerance, dependence, and overdose.