Quote “If we could snort or swallow something which, for five or six hours each day, would abolish our loneliness as individuals, would atone with our fellow men in brilliant exaltation of affection and would make life in all its aspects, seem not only worth living, but divinely beautiful and meaningful, and if this celestial and world-transfiguring drug were such that we could wake up the next morning with the spirit clear and an intact constitution - then it seems to me that all our problems (and not just the small problem of discovering a new pleasure) would be completely solved and the earth would become a paradise. " ALDOUS HUXLEY 1894 – 1963 Opiates are derived from opium. Opium is a gummy substance extracted from the seed of the opium poppy. This plant grows in South Asia. Their use and abuse dates back to ancient times and are among the oldest known powerful analgesics (Steven A. Adelman, William J. Meehan, 2010). The analgesic and europhia effects of opioids were known to the Summerians (4000 BC) and the Egyptians (2000 BC) (Steven A). (Adelman, William J. Meehan, 2010). Some opioids, such as morphine and codeine, occur naturally in opium. Opioids are depressants, meaning they slow down the part of the brain that controls breathing. It is also known to worsen the performance of psychomotor tasks (body movements associated with mental activity) due to their sedative effects and mental disturbance (Page, 2005). depending on their habit-forming potential. Opioids are divided into three classes and whether they have been extracted directly from the opium poppy suggesting morphine or codeine, chemically modified - oxycodone, or completely synthetic - methadone (CAMH, 2010). Opioid painkillers...... middle of article ......the on prescription drug abuse. ReferencesWorks CitedAddiction.com, M. (2011). Common opioids. Retrieved from My addictions.com: www.myaddictions.com/catergories/common_opioids.htmlCAMH. (October 21, 2010). Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Canada, H. (December 16, 2009). Healthy living. Extracted from Opioid Pain Medications: www.hc-sc.gc.caPage, GG (January 5, 2005). Immunological effects of opioids in the presence and absence of pain. Retrieved from Journal of Pain and Symptom Management: www.jpsmjournal.com/article/PIIS0885392405000321/fulltextPeele, S. (1988). Key contemporary perspectives on drug and alcohol addiction. New York, NY: Lexington Books. Steven A. Adelman, William J. Meehan. (December 9, 2010). WebMD Emedicine. From Opioid Abuse: www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790-overview