Opiates are a medical term for any derivative of the constituents that are found in opium, which itself is derived from the poppy flower. The major opiated found in opium are morphine, codeine, thebaine and papaverine. Drugs such as Heroin and Hydrocone are derived from morphine, coeine and thebaine. Opiates are used to depress the senses and may be used as relaxants in some cases. Some people may also use them as an aphrodisiac but they are largely recreational drugs. The seeds of the poppy flower may also help induce sleep, and is effective with relieving insomnia. Morphine is used as a painkiller especially in serious illnesses like cancer. Heroin is used as a recreational drug and as an aphrodisiac, while derivatives of thebaine are used as an analgesic.
