Opiates are chemicals that come from natural plant material. Specifically, opiates come from the plant known as opium poppy, or Papaver somniferum L.

Some opiates are available by prescription to treat and manage pain. Examples of opiate medications include morphine and codeine.

Some opiates are illegal substances. These are considered Schedule 1 controlled substances. This means they have no accepted medical use in the U.S. and have a high potential for addiction. Heroin is one example.