There is evidence of Opiate drug abuse throughout history. The opium poppy plant is native to western Asia and southeastern Europe. Before its addictive powers were known, opium was used for relaxation and headaches. Today, opiates are known to be depressants, which means they lower the body's brain and/or spinal cord activity. They are categorized as narcotics and tend to cause extreme opiate addictions. Heroin addiction is the most prevalent. Other Opiate addictions include morphine addiction and codeine addiction.