Opiates (also known as narcotics)

Opiates are used medicinally to relieve pain. They cause relaxation with an immediate "rush" and have a high potential for abuse. They can be injected, inhaled (sniffed), or smoked. Some drugs categorized as opiates include:

• Heroin
• Morphine
• Opium
• Methadone
• Codeine
• P-dope

Possible side effects include euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and constricted pupils.

Indications of possible misuse include:

• Scars (tracks) caused by injections
• Constricted pupils
• Loss of appetite
• Watery eyes, cough, nausea, sniffles
• Lethargy, drowsiness, nodding

(Information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, US Dept. of Health and Human Services and SAMHSA).