What term is commonly used to refer to substances like opium and heroin?

The term commonly used to refer to substances like opium and heroin is "narcotics." This classification encompasses drugs that induce analgesia (pain relief), sedation, and in many cases, lead to addiction. Opium and heroin are both derived from the opium poppy plant and have strong effects on the brain's opioid receptors, resulting in their potent pain-relieving and euphoric properties.

Narcotics specifically target the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain and creating feelings of euphoria, which contributes to their potential for abuse and addiction. Understanding this classification is crucial for law enforcement and healthcare professionals in addressing the implications of these substances within the context of public health and safety.

The other categories, while containing substances that affect the brain in various ways, do not accurately describe the properties and effects of opium and heroin. For example, depressants generally slow down the body's functions, stimulants increase alertness and energy, and hallucinogens alter perception and can lead to sensory distortions, which are distinctly different from the characteristics of narcotics.