Opium is a DRUG derived from the poppy plant, and is commonly referred to as an opiate. It is a powerful NARCOTIC that has been used for centuries for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The term 'opium DEN' refers to a place where opium is smoked or ingested. MORPHINE is a derivative of opium and is also a powerful NARCOTIC. Mozart wrote a piece of music called 'The Magic Flute' which contains a reference to opium.