Opiates are a class of drugs that are derived from the opium poppy. They are used to relieve pain and can be highly addictive.
Opiates have been used for centuries to relieve pain. They were first used in China over 4,000 years ago. In the 19th century, opiates were introduced to the West and quickly became a popular treatment for pain. However, it was soon discovered that opiates are highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems.