"Opiate" and "Opioid" - Defining the Difference in Words

It is important that a distinction in "proper definition" is made now,  in reference to two words that are essentially the main topic of this site. These two words are used very often throughout this site and this site's various posts.

Defining the word "Opiate" as well as the word "Opioid" is helpful because the two words are often used interchangeably these days in conversation, newspapers, websites, etc.  The fact is though, they have somewhat contrasting meanings.

These terms both refer to chemical substances often used in medicine as analgesics.
To simply be defined by the differences -

"Opiate" - generally refers to a drug that is naturally occurring in the Opium Poppy
   (Opiate examples are Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine)

"Opioid" - generally refers to a synthesized drug that is not naturally found in the Opium Poppy, yet
   is very similar to an opiate in chemical structure and medicinal qualities


Often in the posts on this site, "Opiate/Opioid" or "Opiates/Opioids" is used to describe the general group of drugs that are both Opiates and Opioids.  Occasionally, just one of either of the words is used to describe this general group of both Opiates and Opioids.  There is a significant difference in the "scholarly" meaning of the two words.

Having made this difference clear, the two words may sometimes be used interchangeably in posts on this site. More often than not, though, the group of drugs that are Opiates and Opioids will be referred to as the more appropriate "Opiate(s)/Opioid(s)".

If it is necessary to differentiate between one and the another because of the subject at hand, each word will be properly defined at that point in the post and the differences clearly stated.

Lastly, addressing this topic is critical in maintaining a high level of accuracy of information on the site.  This is crucial in the site developing into the awesome resource it will soon be.

Thanks and Take Care All