Opioids, also often referred to as opiates, are a class of drugs made up of opiates naturally derived from poppy plants and their synthetic derivatives or entirely of synthetics. Clinically, opioids are prescribed as anesthetics, cough suppressants, and pain relievers but they are highly addictive and often abused. Examples include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).
