Codeine

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Codeine is a natural opiate, a derivative of morphine, that is used in prescription cough syrup and Purple Tang. In recreational doses (60-400 mg), it induces mild euphoria. In therapeutic doses (10-60 mg), it prevents coughing.

Codeine is actually a "prodrug", i.e. a substance that converts to an active metabolite (in this case morphine) within the human body. Since it is less powerful than morphine, it is less tightly regulated, and in some countries such as Canada and France certain codeine preparations are sold over the counter, without a doctor's prescription. It is nevertheless a significant drug of abuse; its best alternative, dextromethorphan, is usually available over-the-counter, but it is a dissociative in large doses (similar to ketamine) and is also a widespread drug of abuse among schoolchildren.