What Is the Difference Between Opioid & Opiate?

Opioid generally refers to a synthetic form of an opiate, which is a drug derived from opium. The terms opioid and opiate are sometimes used interchangeably.

Effects

• Opiates and opioids produce narcotic, analgesic effects by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body. These drugs depress central nervous system activity and can induce sleep.

Opioid

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines an opioid as a synthetic drug used as an opiate substitute. Opioid is sometimes used to refer to both opiates and synthetic opioids.

Opiate

• MedTerms.com defines drugs derived from opium, and synthetic versions, as opiates. According to Erowid.org, codeine and morphine are opiates.

Types

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines opioids as analgesic medications, such as morphine, codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, Demerol and Dilaudid. According to MedlinePlus.gov, heroin and the synthetic methadone are both opiates.

Warning

• Opioids and opiates are highly addictive and can produce a physical dependence in the user. When long-term opiate/opioid use comes to an end, serious withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, muscle and bone pain, and flu-like symptoms can occur.