The term opiate refers to the alkaloids found in opium, an extract from the seed pods of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). It has also traditionally referred to natural and semi-synthetic derivatives of morphine. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to all drugs with opium- or morphine-like pharmacological action, which are more properly classified under the broader term opioid.

The main opiates drived from opium are morphine, codeine and thebaine. Papaverine and noscapine are also present, but have essentially no effect on the central nervous system, and are not usually considered to be opioids. Papaveretum is a standardised preparation of mixed opium alkaloids used on cardiac patients.

Heroin or diacetylmorphine (INN) is a semi-synthetic opioid. It is the 3,6-diacetyl derivative of morphine (hence diacetylmorphine) and is synthesised from it by acetylation. The white crystalline form is commonly the hydrochloride salt, diacetylmorphine hydrochloride. It is highly addictive, and chronic ingestion causes a relatively large tolerance to it when compared to other substances, although occasional use without symptoms of withdrawal has been noted. Internationally, Heroin is controlled under Schedules I and IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

It is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell heroin in the United States but, under the name diamorphine, heroin is a legal prescription drug in the United Kingdom. Popular street names for heroin include dope, diesel, smack, scag, heron, black tar, horse, junk, jenny, brown, dark and H.

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