Morphine, opium, codeine, and heroin belong in which category of drugs

Opiates are powerful painkillers.  They are made from opium, a white liquid in the poppy plant.  Opiates produce a quick, intense feeling of pleasure followed by a sense of well-being and calm.

Long-term opiate use changes the way the brain works by changing the way nerve cells communicate with one another.  If opiates are taken away from opiate-dependent brain cells, many of them will become overactive.  Eventually, cells will work normally again if the person recovers, but they cause wide range of withdrawal symptoms that affect the mind and the body.

As with many other drugs, opiates possess very high addictive potential.  

Examples include: heroin, morphine, codeine, and Oxycontin.

Depressants slow normal brain function.  Because of this effect, depressants are often used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.  

Although the different depressant drugs work uniquely in the brain, it is through their effect on GABA activity that produces a drowsy or calming effect.  GABA works to decrease brain activity.  

Despite their prescription for treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, depressants also carry high addictive potential.  The withdrawal effects from long-term depressant use can be life-threatening and produce some of the worst consequences of any other drug classifications.  Keep in mind: this includes alcohol.

Examples include: alcohol, Valium, Xanax, Librium, and barbiturates.

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