A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

OPIATE

Thu, 26 Feb '26
Laudanum, e.g.
Sun, 4 Feb '24
Post-surgery prescription
Sun, 12 Jun '22
Sleep inducer
Fri, 9 Jul '21
Oxymorphone, for one
Sat, 20 Feb '21
Methadone or oxycodone