It is the prolonged use of opiates. Opiates are a family of drugs, which are derived naturally or even synthetically from the seed of the poppy plant. Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress the activity of the central nervous system and they are used to reduce pain and induce sleep. Opiates are an effective treatment for many types of pain, from moderate to severe pain, but they also have a high chance of physical and emotional dependency.

Using opiates for a long time may lead to tolerance, which means that the amount of drugs taken needs to be increased in order to achieve the same effects as before. This can also lead to dependence. Opiate Drug Addiction can often lead to overdose and even death. The opiates family includes prescribed opiates, but also the illegal drug Heroin.  The most common opiate drugs that are prescribed include: