Final answer:
Opiates kill pain by binding to opioid receptors in the body, altering pain perception. They are provided as both natural and synthetic forms, such as morphine and oxycodone, but carry high risks of addiction and other side effects, requiring strict medical supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recent evidence suggests that opiates kill pain because they are analgesic compounds that mimic the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system in the human body. These drugs have a very high potential for abuse due to their powerful painkilling effects and the euphoria they produce. Opiates, or opioids, work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Morphine and codeine are examples of natural opioids derived from opium and are used in medicine. There are also synthetic opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, which have been associated with significant public health concerns due to their misuse and potential for addiction.
Opioids are capable of changing how a person experiences pain and can offer powerful relief. However, their use carries serious risks including addiction, abuse, and overdose. Therefore, opioids are typically used only under strict medical supervision and after considering other pain relief options, like over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and non-opioid prescription drugs.