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{{Short description|Substance having effect(s) on the body of an individual}}
{{Other uses}}


[[File:Aspirine macro shot.jpg|thumb| Uncoated [[aspirin]] [[Tablet (pharmacy)|tablets]], consisting of about 90% acetylsalicylic acid, along with a minor amount of inert fillers and binders. Aspirin is a [[pharmaceutical drug]] often used to treat [[pain]], [[fever]], and [[inflammation]].]]


A '''drug''' is any [[chemical substance]] that causes a change in an organism's [[physiology]] or [[psychology]] when consumed.<ref name="diccom">{{cite dictionary |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drug |contribution=Drug |work=Dictionary.com Unabridged |version=v 1.1 |publisher=[[Random House]] |via=Dictionary.com |date=20 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914072701/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drug |archive-date=14 September 2007 }}</ref><ref name="drugs.com: Drug Definition">{{cite web | url = https://www.drugs.com/dict/drug.html | title = Drug Definition | work = Stedman's Medical Dictionary | via = Drugs.com | access-date = 2014-05-01 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140502070849/http://www.drugs.com/dict/drug.html | archive-date = 2014-05-02 }}</ref> Drugs are typically distinguished from [[food]] and substances that provide nutritional support. Consumption of drugs can be via [[insufflation (medicine)|inhalation]], [[drug injection|injection]], [[smoking]], [[ingestion]], [[absorption (skin)|absorption]] via a [[dermal patch|patch]] on the skin, [[suppository]], or [[sublingual administration|dissolution under the tongue]].


In [[pharmacology]], a drug is a chemical substance, typically of known structure, which, when administered to a living organism, produces a biological effect.<ref>{{cite book|last1=H.P.|first1=Rang|last2=M.M|first2=Dale|last3=J.M.|first3=Ritter|last4=R.J.|first4=Flower|last5=G.|first5=Henderson|title=Rang & Dale's pharmacology|date=2011|publisher=Churchill Livingstone|location=Edinburgh|isbn=978-0-7020-3471-8|page=1|edition=7|chapter=What is Pharmacology|quote=a drug can be defined as a chemical substance of known structure, other than a nutrient of an essential dietary ingredient, which, when administered to a living organism, produces a biological effect}}</ref> A [[pharmaceutical drug]], also called a medication or medicine, is a chemical substance used to [[pharmacotherapy|treat]], [[cure]], [[preventive healthcare|prevent]], or [[medical diagnosis|diagnose]] a [[disease]] or to promote [[well-being]].<ref name="diccom" /> Traditionally drugs were obtained through extraction from [[medicinal plants]], but more recently also by [[organic synthesis]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Atanasov AG, Waltenberger B, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Linder T, Wawrosch C, Uhrin P, Temml V, Wang L, Schwaiger S, Heiss EH, Rollinger JM, Schuster D, Breuss JM, Bochkov V, Mihovilovic MD, Kopp B, Bauer R, Dirsch VM, Stuppner H |title=Discovery and resupply of pharmacologically active plant-derived natural products: A review |journal=Biotechnol Adv |date=December 2015 |volume=33 |issue=8 |pages=1582–614 |doi=10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.08.001 |pmid=26281720 |pmc=4748402 }}</ref> Pharmaceutical drugs may be used for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for [[Chronic (medicine)|chronic disorders]].<ref name="ahsci">{{cite dictionary |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drug |entry=Drug |dictionary=The American Heritage Science Dictionary |publisher=[[Houghton Mifflin Company]] |via=dictionary.com |access-date=20 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914072701/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drug |archive-date=14 September 2007 }}</ref>


Pharmaceutical drugs are often classified into [[drug class]]es—groups of related drugs that have similar [[chemical structure]]s, the same [[mechanism of action]] (binding to the same [[biological target]]), a related [[mode of action]], and that are used to treat the same disease.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal | vauthors = Mahoney A, Evans J | title = Comparing drug classification systems | journal = AMIA Annual Symposium Proceedings |date=6 November 2008 |pages = 1039 | pmid = 18999016 }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite book | author = World Health Organization | title = Introduction to drug utilization research | date = 2003 | publisher = World Health Organization | location = Geneva | isbn = 978-92-4-156234-8 | page = 33 | url = http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4876e/s4876e.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160122115651/http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4876e/s4876e.pdf | archive-date = 2016-01-22 }}</ref> The [[Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System]] (ATC), the most widely used drug classification system, assigns drugs a unique [[ATC code]], which is an alphanumeric code that assigns it to specific drug classes within the ATC system. Another major classification system is the [[Biopharmaceutics Classification System]]. This classifies drugs according to their solubility and permeability or [[Absorption (pharmacokinetics)|absorption]] properties.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite journal|last1=Bergström|first1=CA|last2=Andersson|first2=SB|last3=Fagerberg|first3=JH|last4=Ragnarsson|first4=G|last5=Lindahl|first5=A|title=Is the full potential of the biopharmaceutics classification system reached?|journal=European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences|date=16 June 2014|volume=57|pages=224–31|pmid=24075971|doi=10.1016/j.ejps.2013.09.010}}</ref>


[[Psychoactive drug]]s are chemical substances that affect the function of the [[central nervous system]], altering [[perception]], [[mood (psychology)|mood]] or [[consciousness]].<ref name="bushbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev/health_promotion/bushbook/volume2/chap1/sect1.htm |title=An overview of alcohol and other drug issues |access-date=2015-03-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328060739/http://www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev/health_promotion/bushbook/volume2/chap1/sect1.htm |archive-date=2015-03-28 }}</ref> These drugs are divided into different groups like: [[stimulant]]s, [[depressant]]s, [[antidepressant]]s, [[anxiolytic]]s, [[antipsychotic]]s, and [[hallucinogen]]s. These psychoactive drugs have been proven useful in treating wide range of [[medical conditions]] including [[mental disorder]]s around the world. The most widely used drugs in the world include [[caffeine]], [[nicotine]] and [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Crocq MA |title=Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and mental disorders |journal=Dialogues Clin. Neurosci. |date=June 2003 |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=175–185 |doi=10.31887/DCNS.2003.5.2/macrocq |pmc=3181622 |pmid=22033899}}</ref> which are also considered [[Recreational drug use|recreational drugs]], since they are used for pleasure rather than medicinal purposes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Recreational Drug|url=http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Recreational+drug+use|website=The Free Dictionary|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-date=15 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915065208/http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Recreational+drug+use|url-status=live}}</ref> All drugs can have potential [[side effect]]s.<ref name="MHRA Side Effects of Medicines">[http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Adviceandinformationforconsumers/Sideeffectsofmedicines/ "MHRA Side Effects of Medicines."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502083323/http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Adviceandinformationforconsumers/Sideeffectsofmedicines/ |date=2014-05-02 }} ''MHRA Side Effects of Medicines'',</ref> Abuse of several psychoactive drugs can cause [[addiction]] and/or [[Substance dependence|physical dependence]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Fox|first1=Thomas Peter|last2=Oliver|first2=Govind|last3=Ellis|first3=Sophie Marie|title=The Destructive Capacity of Drug Abuse: An Overview Exploring the Harmful Potential of Drug Abuse Both to the Individual and to Society|journal=ISRN Addiction|date=2013|volume=2013|doi=10.1155/2013/450348|pmid=25938116|pmc=4392977|pages=450348|doi-access=free}}</ref> Excessive use of stimulants can promote [[stimulant psychosis]]. Many recreational drugs are [[illegal drug trade|illicit]] and international treaties such as the [[Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs]] exist for the purpose of their [[prohibition of drugs|prohibition]].


==Etymology==
In English, the noun "drug" is thought to originate from Old French "drogue", possibly deriving from "droge (vate)" from Middle Dutch meaning "dry (barrels)", referring to medicinal plants preserved as dry matter in barrels.<ref name="etymonline-drug">{{OEtymD|drug}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Tupper KW |date=2012 |title=Psychoactive substances and the English language: "Drugs," discourses, and public policy. |journal=Contemporary Drug Problems |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=461–492 |doi=10.1177/009145091203900306|s2cid=55498558 }}</ref>


==Medication==
[[File:Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) pills.JPG|thumb|right|[[Nexium]] (Esomeprazole) is a [[proton-pump inhibitor]]. It is used to reduce the production of stomach acid.]]
{{Main|Pharmaceutical drug|Drug class|Medication}}
A ''medication'' or ''medicine'' is a [[pharmaceutical drug|drug]] taken to cure or ameliorate any symptoms of an [[illness]] or medical condition. The use may also be as [[preventive medicine]] that has future benefits but does not treat any existing or pre-existing diseases or symptoms. Dispensing of medication is often regulated by [[government]]s into three categories—''[[over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]]'' medications, which are available in [[pharmacy|pharmacies]] and supermarkets without special restrictions; ''[[behind-the-counter]]'' medicines, which are dispensed by a [[pharmacist]] without needing a doctor's prescription, and ''[[prescription medication|prescription only medicines]]'', which must be prescribed by a licensed [[medical professional]], usually a [[physician]].<ref name="HPC ">{{cite web | url = http://www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/medicinesandprescribing/ | title = About Registration: Medicines and Prescribing | publisher = [[Health and Care Professions Council]] | access-date = 22 January 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160113121019/http://www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/medicinesandprescribing/ | archive-date = 2016-01-13 }}</ref>


In the United Kingdom, behind-the-counter medicines are called [[pharmacy medicine]]s which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. These medications are designated by the letter P on the label.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.mhra.gov.uk/SearchHelp/Glossary/GlossaryP| title = Glossary of MHRA terms – P| publisher = U.K. [[Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency]]| access-date = 2008-11-05| url-status=live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081114160603/http://www.mhra.gov.uk/SearchHelp/Glossary/GlossaryP| archive-date = 2008-11-14}}</ref> The range of medicines available without a prescription varies from country to country. Medications are typically produced by [[pharmaceutical industry|pharmaceutical companies]] and are often [[patent]]ed to give the developer exclusive rights to produce them. Those that are not patented (or with expired patents) are called [[generic drug]]s since they can be produced by other companies without restrictions or licenses from the patent holder.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/SmallBusinessAssistance/ucm127615.pdf|title="Generic Drugs", Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration|website=Fda.gov|access-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829011611/https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/SmallBusinessAssistance/ucm127615.pdf|archive-date=29 August 2017}}</ref>


Pharmaceutical drugs are usually categorised into [[drug class]]es. A group of drugs will share a similar [[chemical structure]], or have the same [[mechanism of action]], the same related [[mode of action]] or target the same illness or related illnesses.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="auto"/> The [[Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System]] (ATC), the most widely used drug classification system, assigns drugs a unique [[ATC code]], which is an alphanumeric code that assigns it to specific drug classes within the ATC system. Another major classification system is the [[Biopharmaceutics Classification System]]. This groups drugs according to their solubility and permeability or [[Absorption (pharmacokinetics)|absorption]] properties.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>


==Spiritual and religious use==
{{Main|Entheogen|Psychonaut}}
[[File: Chaman amazonie 5 06.jpg|thumb|left|An [[Shamanism#Amazonia|Amazonian shaman]]]]
[[File:Flowering San Pedro cactus.jpg|thumb|[[Echinopsis pachanoi|San Pedro]], a psychoactive cactus.]]


Some religions, particularly [[ethnic religion]]s, are based completely on the use of certain drugs, known as [[entheogens]], which are mostly [[hallucinogen]]s,—[[Psychedelic drug|psychedelics]], [[dissociative]]s, or [[deliriant]]s. Some drugs used as entheogens include [[kava]] which can act as a [[stimulant]], a [[sedative]], a [[euphoriant]] and an [[anesthetic]]. The roots of the kava plant are used to produce a drink which is consumed throughout the cultures of the Pacific Ocean.


Some [[Shamanism|shamans]] from different cultures use entheogens, defined as "generating the divine within"<ref>{{citation | url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/entheogen | title=Entheogen | publisher=[dictionary.com] | access-date=2012-03-13 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213200629/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/entheogen | archive-date=2012-02-13 }}</ref> to achieve [[religious ecstasy]]. Amazonian shamans use [[ayahuasca]] (yagé) a hallucinogenic brew for this purpose. [[Mazatec shamans]] have a long and continuous tradition of religious use of ''[[Salvia divinorum]]'' a [[psychoactive]] plant. Its use is to facilitate [[Altered state of consciousness|visionary states of consciousness]] during spiritual healing sessions.<ref name="Valdés1983p287">[[#refValdes1983|Valdés, Díaz & Paul 1983]], p. 287.</ref>


[[Silene undulata]] is regarded by the [[Xhosa people]] as a sacred plant and used as an entheogen. Its roots are traditionally used to induce vivid (and according to the Xhosa, prophetic) [[lucid dreaming|lucid dreams]] during the initiation process of [[shamans]], classifying it a naturally occurring [[oneirogen]] similar to the more well-known dream herb ''[[Calea ternifolia]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Sobiecki|first1=Jean-Francois|title=Psychoactive Spiritual Medicines and Healing Dynamics in the Initiation Process of Southern Bantu Diviners|journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs|date=July 2012|volume=44|issue=3|pages=216–223|doi=10.1080/02791072.2012.703101|pmid=23061321|s2cid=32876088}}</ref>


[[Peyote]], a small spineless [[cactus]], has been a major source of psychedelic [[mescaline]] and has probably been used by [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] for at least five thousand years.<ref name=prehistoric>{{cite journal |vauthors=El-Seedi HR, De Smet PA, Beck O, Possnert G, Bruhn JG |title=Prehistoric peyote use: alkaloid analysis and radiocarbon dating of archaeological specimens of Lophophora from Texas |journal=J Ethnopharmacol |volume=101 |issue=1–3 |pages=238–42 |date=October 2005 |pmid=15990261 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mescaline.com/sanpedro/|title=A Brief History of the San Pedro Cactus|website=Mescaline.com|access-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928090832/http://www.mescaline.com/sanpedro/|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref> Most mescaline is now obtained from a few species of columnar cacti in particular from [[Echinopsis pachanoi|San Pedro]] and not from the vulnerable peyote.<ref>{{cite iucn |author=Terry M |date=2013 |title=Lophophora williamsii |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T151962A581420.en |access-date=2018-10-29 }}</ref>


The [[entheogenic use of cannabis]] has also been widely practised<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Souza |first1=Rafael Sampaio Octaviano de |last2=Albuquerque |first2=Ulysses Paulino de |last3=Monteiro |first3=Júlio Marcelino |last4=Amorim |first4=Elba Lúcia Cavalcanti de |title=Jurema-Preta (Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poir.): a review of its traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology |journal=Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology |date=October 2008 |volume=51 |issue=5 |pages=937–947 |doi=10.1590/S1516-89132008000500010 |doi-access=free }}</ref> for centuries.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bloomquist|first=Edward|title=Marijuana: The Second Trip|year=1971|publisher=Glencoe|location=California}}</ref> [[Rastafari]] use [[cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] (ganja) as a [[sacrament]] in their [[Abrahamic religion|religious ceremonies]].


Psychedelic mushrooms ([[psilocybin mushroom]]s), commonly called ''magic mushrooms'' or ''shrooms'' have also long been used as entheogens.


==Smart drugs and designer drugs==
{{Main|Nootropic|Designer drug|Psychoactive drug}}
[[Nootropic]]s, also commonly referred to as "smart drugs", are drugs that are claimed to improve human [[cognition|cognitive abilities]]. Nootropics are used to improve memory, concentration, thought, mood, and learning. An increasingly used nootropic among students, also known as a ''study drug'', is [[methylphenidate]] branded commonly as ''Ritalin'' and used for the treatment of [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] (ADHD) and [[narcolepsy]].<ref name=Abelman>{{Cite journal|last=Abelman|first=D|date=6 October 2017|title=Mitigating risks of students use of study drugs through understanding motivations for use and applying harm reduction theory: a literature review|journal=Harm Reduct J|volume=14|issue=1|pages=68|pmid=28985738|pmc=5639593|doi=10.1186/s12954-017-0194-6}}</ref> At high doses methylphenidate [[Methylphenidate#Biomolecular mechanisms|can become highly addictive]].<ref name=Smith>{{Cite journal|last1=Smith|first1=M|last2=Farah|first2=M|date=September 2011|title=Are prescription stimulants "smart pills"? The epidemiology and cognitive neuroscience of prescription stimulant use by normal healthy individuals.|journal=Psychol. Bull.|volume=137|issue=5|pages=717–41|doi=10.1037/a0023825|pmid=21859174|pmc=3591814}}</ref> Serious addiction can lead to [[psychosis]], [[anxiety]] and heart problems, and the use of this drug is related to a rise in suicides, and overdoses. Evidence for use outside of student settings is limited but suggests that it is commonplace.<ref name=Abelman/><ref name=Smith/> Intravenous use of methylphenidate can lead to [[Pneumatosis#Pulmonary emphysema|emphysematous]] damage to the lungs, known as ''[[Ritalin lung]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ritalin-lung?lang=gb|title=Ritalin lung|last=Sharma|first=R|website=Radiopedia.org|access-date=1 July 2019|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730042833/https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ritalin-lung?lang=gb|url-status=live}}</ref>


Other drugs known as [[designer drug]]s are produced. An early example of what today would be labelled a 'designer drug' was [[Lysergic acid diethylamide|LSD]], which was synthesised from [[ergot]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chemistryhall.com/probably-not-know-discovery-synthesis-lsd/|title=Discovery And Synthesis Of LSD: What You Probably Did Not Know About It - Chemistry Hall|date=2017-06-13|access-date=2017-06-13|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613040001/http://chemistryhall.com/probably-not-know-discovery-synthesis-lsd/|archive-date=2017-06-13}}</ref> Other examples include analogs of [[performance-enhancing drugs]] such as designer [[steroids]] taken to improve physical capabilities and these are sometimes used (legally or not) for this purpose, often by professional athletes.<ref name="pmid22191595">{{cite journal | vauthors = Teale P, Scarth J, Hudson S | title = Impact of the emergence of designer drugs upon sports doping testing | journal = Bioanalysis | volume = 4 | issue = 1 | pages = 71–88 | year = 2012 | pmid = 22191595 | doi = 10.4155/bio.11.291 }}</ref> Other designer drugs mimic the effects of psychoactive drugs. Since the late 1990s there has been the identification of many of these synthesised drugs. In Japan and the United Kingdom this has spurred the addition of many designer drugs into a newer class of controlled substances known as a [[temporary class drug]].


[[Synthetic cannabinoid]]s have been produced for a longer period of time and are used in the designer drug [[synthetic cannabis]].


==Recreational drug use==
{{Main|Recreational drug use}}
{{Further|Prohibition of drugs}}
[[File:Macro cannabis bud.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cannabis (drug)|Cannabis]] is a commonly used [[recreational drug]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Lingeman |title=Drugs from A–Z: A Dictionary |year=1970 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-7139-0136-8 }}</ref>]]
[[Recreational drug use]] is the use of a drug (legal, controlled, or illegal) with the primary intention of [[Altered state of consciousness|altering the state of consciousness]] through alteration of the central nervous system in order to create positive emotions and feelings. The hallucinogen [[LSD]] is a psychoactive drug commonly used as a recreational drug.<ref>{{cite web|title=DrugFacts: Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP|url=http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-pcp|publisher=National Institute on Drug Abuse|access-date=February 17, 2015|date=December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216030833/http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-pcp|archive-date=February 16, 2015}}</ref>


[[Ketamine]] is a drug used for [[anesthesia]], and is also used as a recreational drug, both in powder and liquid form, for its hallucinogenic and [[Dissociation (psychology)|dissociative effects]].<ref name="Morgan">{{cite journal |last1=Morgan |first1=CJ |last2=Curran |first2=HV |last3=Independent Scientific Committee on |first3=Drugs. |title=Ketamine use: a review. |journal=Addiction |date=January 2012 |volume=107 |issue=1 |pages=27–38 |doi=10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03576.x |pmid=21777321}}</ref>


[[Drug laws|Some national laws]] prohibit the use of different recreational drugs; and medicinal drugs that have the potential for recreational use are often heavily regulated. However, there are many recreational drugs that are [[drug liberalization#Policies by country|legal in many jurisdictions]] and widely culturally accepted.
[[Cannabis (drug)|Cannabis]] is the most commonly consumed controlled recreational drug in the world (as of 2012).<ref name="WDR 2012">{{cite web | url=http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2012/WDR_2012_web_small.pdf | title=World Drug Report 2012 | publisher=[[UNODC]] | date=2012 | access-date=9 December 2016 | pages=69 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713201545/http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2012/WDR_2012_web_small.pdf | archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref> Its use in many countries is illegal but is [[legality of cannabis|legally used]] in several countries usually with the proviso that it can only be used for personal use. It can be used in the ''leaf'' form of [[marijuana]] ''(grass)'', or in the resin form of [[hashish]]. Marijuana is a more mild form of cannabis than hashish.


There may be an age restriction on the consumption and purchase of legal recreational drugs. Some recreational drugs that are legal and accepted in many places include [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]], [[tobacco]], [[betel nut]], and [[caffeine]] products, and in some areas of the world the legal use of drugs such as [[khat]] is common.<ref name="Kciy">{{cite journal |last=Al-Mugahed |first=Leen |title=Khat Chewing in Yemen: Turning over a New Leaf: Khat Chewing Is on the Rise in Yemen, Raising Concerns about the Health and Social Consequences |journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization |volume=86 |issue=10 |url=https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-188738635/khat-chewing-in-yemen-turning-over-a-new-leaf-khat |access-date=22 January 2016 |pages=741–2 |pmid=18949206 |year=2008 |pmc=2649518 |doi=10.2471/BLT.08.011008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310045753/https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-188738635/khat-chewing-in-yemen-turning-over-a-new-leaf-khat |archive-date=10 March 2016 }}</ref>


There are a number of legal intoxicants commonly called ''legal highs'' that are used recreationally. The most widely used of these is alcohol.


==Administration of drugs==
{{main|Route of administration}}
All drugs, can be [[drug delivery|administered]] via a number of [[Route of administration|routes]], and many can be administered by more than one.
{{Columns-list|
* [[Bolus (medicine)|Bolus]] is the administration of a medication, drug or other compound that is given to raise its concentration in blood to an effective level. The administration can be given intravenously, by parenteral,by indovenous, by intramuscular, intrathecal or subcutaneous injection.
* [[Inhalation|Inhaled]], (breathed into the lungs), as an [[aerosol]], [[inhaler]], [[vape]] or dry powder (this includes smoking or vaping a substance).
* [[Route of administration#Injection|Injection]] as a [[Solution (chemistry)|solution]], [[suspension (chemistry)|suspension]] or [[emulsion]] either: [[intramuscular]], [[intravenous]], [[intraperitoneal]], [[intraosseous]].
* [[Insufflation (medicine)|Insufflation]], as a [[nasal spray]] or snorting into the nose.
* [[Oral administration|Orally]], as a liquid or solid, that is absorbed through the [[intestine]]s.
* [[Rectum|Rectally]] as a [[suppository]], that is absorbed by the rectum or colon.
* [[Sublingual administration|Sublingually]], diffusing into the blood through tissues under the tongue.
* [[Topical]]ly, usually as a [[cream]] or [[ointment]]. A drug administered in this manner may be given to act locally or systemically.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/the-administration-of-medicine/288560.article |title=The administration of medicines |date=19 November 2007 |work=Nursing Times |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited |access-date=11 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617174030/http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/the-administration-of-medicine/288560.article |archive-date=17 June 2010 }}</ref>
* [[Vagina]]lly as a [[Pessary#Pharmaceutical pessaries|pessary]], primarily to treat vaginal infections.
}}


==Control of drugs==
{{Main|Prohibition of drugs|Drug policy}}


There are numerous governmental offices in many countries that deal with the control and oversee of drug manufacture and use, and the implementation of various drug laws. The [[Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs]] is an international [[treaty]] brought about in 1961 to prohibit the use of narcotics save for those used in [[medical research]] and treatment. In 1971, a second treaty the [[Convention on Psychotropic Substances]] had to be introduced to deal with newer recreational psychoactive and psychedelic drugs.


The [[legal status of Salvia divinorum]] varies in many countries and even in [[Legal status of Salvia divinorum in the United States|states within the United States]]. Where it is legislated against the degree of prohibition also varies.


The [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in the United States is a [[List of United States federal agencies|federal agency]] responsible for protecting and promoting [[public health]] through the [[regulation]] and supervision of [[food safety]], [[tobacco products]], [[dietary supplement]]s, [[Prescription drug|prescription]] and [[Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] [[pharmaceutical drug|medications]], [[vaccine]]s, [[biopharmaceutical]]s, [[blood transfusion]]s, [[medical device]]s, [[electromagnetic radiation]] emitting devices, [[cosmetics]], [[Animal Feed|animal foods]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/default.htm|title=Animal Food & Feeds|website=Fda.gov|access-date=14 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322105837/https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/default.htm|archive-date=22 March 2015}}</ref> and [[Veterinary medicine|veterinary drugs]].


In India, the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (abbr. '''NCB'''), an [[Law enforcement in India|Indian federal law enforcement]] and [[List of Indian Intelligence agencies|intelligence]] agency under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], [[Government of India]] is tasked with combating [[drug trafficking]] and assisting international use of illegal substances under the provisions of [[Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (India)|Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-04-10|title=Narcotics Control Bureau|url=http://narcoticsindia.nic.in/Aboutus.htm|access-date=2020-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410074217/http://narcoticsindia.nic.in/Aboutus.htm|archive-date=2009-04-10}}</ref>


==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Club drug]]
* [[Controlled Substances Act]]
* [[Drug checking]]
* [[Drug development]]
* [[Inverse benefit law]]
* [[Lifestyle drug]]
* [[Medical cannabis]]
* [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]
* [[Pharmacognosy]]
* [[Placebo]]
* [[Prodrug]]
* [[Specialty drugs (United States)]]
* [[United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime]]
{{div col end}}


===Lists of drugs===
* [[List of drugs]]
* [[List of pharmaceutical companies]]
* [[List of psychoactive plants]]
* [[List of Schedule I drugs (US)]]


==References==
{{Reflist}}


==Further reading==
* {{cite book |author=Richard J. Miller |title=Drugged: the science and culture behind psychotropic drugs |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=2014 |isbn=978-0-19-995797-2}}


==External links==
* [http://drugbank.ca/ DrugBank], a database of 13,400 drugs and 5,100 protein drug targets
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00548fh "Drugs"], BBC Radio 4 discussion with Richard Davenport-Hines, Sadie Plant and Mike Jay (''[[In Our Time (radio series)|In Our Time]]'', May 23, 2002)


{{Commons category|Drugs}}
{{Major drug groups}}
{{Recreational drug use}}
{{Receptor/signaling modulators}}
{{pharmacomodulation}}
{{Authority control}}
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Drug - Revision history

imported>Fire at 00:37, 7 January 2023