Which of the following statements is true regarding opiates and opioids?

• A. Opiates are naturally derived; heroin is an example
• B. Opioids are naturally derived; fentanyl is an example
• C. Opiates and opioids the same
• D. All opiates are non-addictive

Answer: (A)

Opiates are natural alkaloids derived from the opium poppy, while opioids is a broader term that includes natural opiates plus semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs that act on opioid receptors. Heroin is produced from morphine by chemical modification, so it is not a naturally occurring opiate, but it is typically discussed as part of the opioid class. The statement aligns with common teaching that opiates come from natural sources and provides heroin as a familiar example, which is why it’s chosen as the best answer in many curricula.

Fentanyl, for instance, is a fully synthetic opioid, not a natural derivative. Opiates and opioids are not the same, and not all opiates are non-addictive.