Opium (a derivative of the poppy plant) was first discovered in China and has spread to almost all countries, especially the United States. This substance is commonly found in things such as morphine and heroin and is a highly addictive substance that creates both a physical and mental dependence. Common side effects include heart problems, collapsed veins and loss of appetite. While many people begin taking opiates as a prescription, they begin to purchase the drugs on the street once they can no longer obtain them legally. Most of these “street” opiates are injected and relatively inexpensive. Because addicts often obtain these drugs illegally, they cannot be sure what other substances a dealer may have put into the opiate. These street
