Opiates and opioids are drug classes used to treat pain, but they are not exactly the same thing. Opiates are natural substances derived from the opium poppy plant. Opioids is the broader term that includes natural opiates as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs that act on the same receptors in the brain and body.
These medications are used in medical settings to treat moderate to severe pain. When used outside medical supervision, opioids carry serious risks including dependence, addiction, overdose, and death.
What are opiates?
Opiates are substances derived directly from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. These compounds affect opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which reduces the perception of pain.
Natural opiates have been used in medicine for centuries. Despite their plant origin, they are powerful medications that must be used carefully.
Examples of natural opiates
The most widely recognized natural opiates include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Opium
- Thebaine
Morphine is commonly used in hospitals to treat severe pain. Codeine is considered a milder opioid and may be used in some pain or cough medications. Thebaine is primarily used to produce other opioid medications rather than being prescribed directly.
What is the difference between opiates and opioids?
The two terms are closely related but not identical.
- Opiates are natural drugs derived from the opium poppy.
- Opioids include natural opiates as well as drugs created in laboratories that produce similar effects.
This means all opiates are opioids, but not all opioids are opiates. For example, morphine and codeine are natural opiates, while drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone are semi-synthetic opioids. Fentanyl and methadone are fully synthetic opioids.
Classes of opioids
Opioids are commonly grouped based on how they are produced.
Natural opioids (opiates)
These are derived directly from the opium poppy.
Examples include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Opium
- Thebaine
Semi-synthetic opioids
These drugs are made by chemically modifying natural opiates.
Examples include:
Synthetic opioids
These opioids are created entirely in laboratories.
Examples include:
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Tramadol
- Meperidine
- Tapentadol
- Nitazenes
Some synthetic opioids are used in medicine, while others are associated with illicit drug markets.
Brand names of common opioids
Many opioids are also known by brand names. Some of the most commonly recognized include:
- Morphine. MS Contin®, Kadian®, Avinza®, Roxanol®
- Fentanyl. Actiq®, Duragesic®, Fentora®, Sublimaze®, Abstral®, Onsolis®
- Hydrocodone. Vicodin®, Norco®, Lortab®, Lorcet®, Zohydro® ER
- Oxycodone. OxyContin®, Percocet®, Percodan®, Roxicodone®, Xtampza® ER
- Hydromorphone. Dilaudid®, Exalgo®
- Oxymorphone. Opana®
- Methadone. Dolophine®, Methadose™
- Buprenorphine. Suboxone®, Subutex®, Belbuca®, Butrans®, Buprenex®, Probuphine®, Sublocade™
- Tramadol. Ultram®, ConZip®
- Meperidine. Demerol®
- Tapentadol. Nucynta®
Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer and whether the medication is immediate-release or extended-release.
Different kinds of opioids
Opioids can also be categorized based on how they are used.
Prescription opioids
Prescription opioids are used to treat moderate to severe pain. These medications may be prescribed after surgery, injury, or for serious illnesses.
Examples include:
Illegal opioids
Heroin is the most widely known illegal opioid. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a major contributor to overdose deaths due to its extreme potency.
Medications used to treat opioid use disorder
Some opioid-related medications are used in treatment rather than for pain relief.
Examples include:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
These medications help stabilize individuals and reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Pain meds names: opioid and non-opioid pain medications
Not all pain medications are opioids.
Opioid pain medications
Common opioid pain medications include:
Non-opioid pain medications
Common non-opioid pain medications include:
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Aspirin
- Celecoxib
- Diclofenac
Non-opioid medications are often recommended first for mild to moderate pain.
Oxycodone 10 mg pill
A 10 mg oxycodone pill is a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone tablets may be immediate-release or extended-release depending on the formulation.
The appearance of a 10 mg oxycodone pill can vary depending on the manufacturer. Identification usually relies on the pill’s imprint code rather than color alone.
Because oxycodone is a potent opioid, misuse can lead to serious complications including respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
How opioids work
Opioids bind to opioid receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. When these receptors are activated, pain signals are reduced and the body may experience relaxation or euphoria.
These same effects contribute to the addictive potential of opioid drugs.
Risks of opioids and opiates
All opioids carry potential health risks. These risks can occur even when medications begin as legitimate prescriptions.
Possible risks include:
- tolerance
- physical dependence
- opioid use disorder
- slowed breathing
- overdose
- death
Risk increases when opioids are taken in large amounts, used without medical supervision, or combined with alcohol or other sedating drugs.
Opioid overdose reversal medication
The primary medication used to reverse an opioid overdose is naloxone.
Naloxone rapidly blocks opioid receptors and can restore breathing during an overdose. It is widely distributed as a nasal spray under the brand name Narcan®.
Get help now
Opiates are the natural drugs that come directly from the opium poppy, including morphine and codeine. The broader category of opioids includes those natural substances along with semi-synthetic and synthetic medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methadone. These medications are widely used to treat pain, but they can also lead to dependence and addiction when they are misused.
For some people, opioid use starts with a legitimate prescription after surgery, injury, or chronic pain. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, which may lead to taking higher doses or using the medication more often than intended. When opioid use begins affecting physical health, relationships, work, or daily life, it may be time to talk with a professional about treatment and recovery options.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with opioid use and are considering opioid rehab, speaking with a treatment provider can help you understand what options exist and what the next steps might look like. You can start that conversation by calling (317) 707-9848 or by contacting us online. At Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana, our team provides guidance and support for individuals who want help addressing opioid use and building a healthier path forward.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (November 2024). Opioids.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (June 2021). Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 10, 2025). Basics About Prescription Opioids.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Opioids.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (August 8, 2024). Information about Naloxone.
- Cleveland Clinic. (July 22, 2025). Opioids: What They Are, Types & Side Effects.
- World Health Organization. (August 29, 2025). Opioid overdose.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (May 1, 2023). Opioid Receptors.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (August 12, 2025). Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications.
- MedlinePlus. (January 15, 2026). Oxycodone: MedlinePlus Drug Information.
