Opiates

Natural opiates are derived from the opium poppy plant and include substances such as morphine and codeine. Synthetic opiates, on the other hand, are artificially produced in a laboratory and include drugs such as fentanyl and methadone. While both types of opiates bind to the same receptors in the brain and produce similar effects, synthetic opiates are often more potent and have a higher risk of overdose. Additionally, synthetic opiates are more commonly used in medical settings for pain management due to their consistent potency and predictable effects.