Drug

Types and Effects of Drugs

• Drugs can cause changes in an organism’s physiology and psychology when consumed.
• Drugs are distinguished from food and can be consumed in various ways like inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.
• Pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat, cure, prevent diseases, or promote well-being.
• Drugs can be obtained through extraction from plants or organic synthesis.
• Psychoactive drugs include stimulants, depressants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and hallucinogens.

Medication and Regulations

• Medication is a drug taken to cure or ameliorate symptoms of an illness.
• Dispensing of medication is regulated into over-the-counter, behind-the-counter, and prescription only medicines.
• Medications are produced by pharmaceutical companies, some are patented, while others are generic drugs.
• Pharmaceutical drugs are categorized into drug classes based on chemical structure, mechanism of action, or target illness.
• Regulatory bodies like the FDA oversee the approval and monitoring of drugs.

Spiritual and Religious Use of Drugs

• Some religions are based on the use of entheogens, hallucinogens, psychedelics, or deliriants.
• Entheogens like kava, ayahuasca, and Salvia divinorum are used in religious practices.
• Peyote has been used by Native Americans as a source of psychedelic mescaline for thousands of years.
• Cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms have been used as entheogens for spiritual purposes.
• Rastafari use marijuana (ganja) in their religious ceremonies.

Smart Drugs and Designer Drugs

• Nootropics are drugs claimed to improve cognitive abilities like memory and concentration.
• Nootropics are used to enhance mood, learning, and thought processes.
• Designer drugs are synthetic substances created to mimic the effects of existing drugs.
• Modafinil is a commonly used nootropic among students.
• Psychoactive drugs can alter perception, mood, or consciousness.

Drug Abuse and Control

• Drugs can have harmful effects on both individuals and society.
• Drug abuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and social issues.
• Substance abuse impacts relationships, work performance, and mental health.
• Governmental offices regulate drug manufacture and use.
• International treaties like the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs control drug use.

Drug Data Sources