Opiate is a term given to any narcotic alkaloids, which are found in opium and other sources or derivatives of alkaloids. And opium is taken from the latex sap of opium poppies, scientifically known as Papaver somniferum.
It’s not a substance from hell or from man’s destructive genius, like the fully-synthetic drug methamphetamine, but a natural substance that has its medical use. Opiates are anesthetics or painkillers used by the ancient Sumerians, Assyrians and Greeks during surgical procedures.
However, human frailty has led to its abuse. Some get hooked to it after poorly-controlled and -monitored medical use, others just like the sense of calm it gives them, and a few were unfortunately born to opiate-dependent parents.
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