Opiates

Photo courtesy of DEA photo library

Definition
Opiates are narcotic medications that contain derivatives of opium. The pod of the poppy plant, Papover somniferum, is the source of naturally occurring opium. Morphine is the primary constituent of crude opium. Opiates are used medicinally in the United Sates to alleviate moderate to severe pain.

Slang Terms
Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, MS Contin, Avinza, Kadian

Usage
Opiates are available as liquids, capsules, tablets, and extended release capsules or tablets. They are used as pain relievers and also cough suppressants. The liquid forms can be ingested orally or injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously, and intrathecally (into the spinal canal).

Effects
The effects of opiates are many and can include constriction of the pupils, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and changes in mood and feelings.

Detection
Opiates can be detected in urine, hair, and saliva. A typical reported result includes the level of the opiate detected. This can be very important in determining the source of the positive and assessing levels that may warrant a safety letter.

Law
The opiate panel that is performed for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) screens only for morphine and codeine. The test will not screen for synthetic opiates such as hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab) or oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin).