Which drug type is primarily used for pain relief?

Opiates are primarily used for pain relief because they act on the body's pain pathways to inhibit pain perception. This class of drugs includes natural substances derived from the opium poppy, such as morphine and codeine, as well as synthetic drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone. They bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are involved in pain modulation, effectively reducing the sensation of pain.

In contrast, stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system, which can elevate mood and energy levels but do not alleviate pain. Depressants, on the other hand, slow down brain function and are often used for sedation or anxiety relief rather than pain management. Hallucinogens alter perception and mood but do not have analgesic properties. Thus, opiates have a unique and crucial role in medical settings for managing both acute and chronic pain effectively.