A drug is any chemical substance, other than a food or device, that affects the function of living things. Technically, vitamin E, oxygen, and cocaine are all examples of drugs. Various drugs can be used to treat illness, or they can be used recreationally to alter behavior and perception.

The definition is somewhat fuzzy, because many substances which are not typically considered drugs are indeed active substances (ex. caffiene, nicotine, and even chocolate). Additionally, there are thousands of substances in foods and "nutritional supplements" which affect the function of living things. Many illegal and recreational drugs (such as cocaine, opium, and ephedra) could potentially be considered "foods" because they do have caloric content. That being said, the popular definition of a drug is any substance which causes an altered state of mind, caffiene and alcohol excluded. This may or may not include medications, which are strictly used to cure illness and by definition not used for recreation.

Drugs used as medicines

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A medication is a drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. Medications are generally divided into two groups -- over the counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, and Prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a physician. Most OTC medication is generally considered to be safe enough that most persons will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed. Many countries, such as the UK have a third category of pharmacy medicines which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. However, the precise distinction between OTC and prescription depends on the legal jurisdiction. Medications are typically produced by pharmaceutical companies and are often patented. Those that are not patented are called generic drugs.

Recreational drugs

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Recreational drug use is the use of psychoactive drugs for recreational purposes rather than for work, medical or spiritual purposes, although the distinction is not always clear. Regardless of medical supervision, this label does not apply to the use of drugs for utilitarian purposes, such as the relief of fatigue or insomnia, or the control of appetite.

List of drugs

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See list of drugs for an alphabetical list of drugs by name. Many drugs have more than one name and, therefore, the same drug may be listed more than once. Brand names and generic names are differentiated by the use of capital initials for the former.

See also

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• Illegal drug trade
• Medication
• Placebo (origins of technical term)
• Prescription drug
• Psychoactive drug
• Recreational drug use
• List of songs about drugs

External links

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• History of Drugs From High Times Encyclopedia of Recreational Drugs - 1977

Drugs

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