It’s important to understand that different medications that you may be taking and to understand which of the medications you may be taking are actually derived from opium. Taking multiple opiates could pose a significant risk to your own health and could result in overdose. There are many different drugs that are derived from opium and many are synthetic or semi-synthetic. Understanding which drugs are opium derivatives will help you to be more responsible for your own health and well-being.
Opium derivatives can be broken down into two primary groups which includes those which are derived from opium itself and those which are derived from morphine. Another set of derivatives that actually do not contain opium but that are considered opiates are synthetics which are synthesized versions of drugs that are derived from opium. Finally, there are also semi-synthetics which are partially synthetic and partially derivatives of opium.
The following drugs are directly derived from opium:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Heroin
From these drugs, there are also some drugs that are derivatives. For instance, Vicodin and Demerol are both derived from Morphine. Certain semi-synthetic drugs also contain a combination of Morphine and synthetic material. The following semi-synthetic drugs include Morphine in addition to synthetic substances:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
Synthetic drugs that act as opiates like opium derivatives do not actually contain any opium in them. These drugs are actually created in laboratories and although they may have similar effects as opium and they may cause similar side effects, they do not contain any derivatives of the poppy plant or opium in them.
The following synthetic drugs are designed to mimic Morphine or to mimic the analgesic effects of opium and other opium derivatives:
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl Duragesic Patches
- Propoxyphene
- Butorphanol
- Levorphano
- Meperidine
- Oxycontin
- MSContin
The Many Ways in which Opium Addiction Can Ruin Your Life -
According to the NIDA, “Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people,” addiction occurs when the individual can no longer control their drug-seeking behavior. “The brain changes that occur over time challenge an addicted person’s self-control and hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.” This result ... 
Types of Help for Opium Addiction -
If you are seeking treatment for opium addiction for yourself or someone else, then learning about the options available for treatment can help you decide which is best, especially if you are feeling confused, and have questions. Discussing the treatment options with a professional is highly recommended. Addiction to opium can become so severe to the point ... 
10 Signs You Need Addiction Treatment for Opium -
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms or warning signs, you should seek opium addiction treatment immediately. 
Prescription Painkillers: Spotting Signs of Opiate Addiction in Your Everyday Life -
Abusing prescription painkillers, despite popular belief, is just as dangerous as using other opiate-based drugs and can lead to a number of negative consequences. 
Statistics on Opium Use and Abuse Around the World -
Those who have never considered the use of opium have a hard time realizing just how big of a problem it has become. In addition to the United States, there are millions of people in other parts of the world who use and abuse this category of drugs. Check out this statistic shared by the ...