Drugs and Substances

Introduction

• A drug is a substance that affects the body's physiology or psychology
• Can be used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases
• Can also be used to enhance physical or mental performance
• Can be legal or illegal, depending on the jurisdiction and intended use

Risks

• Addiction: physical or psychological dependence on a drug
• Overdose: taking too much of a drug, leading to harmful or life-threatening effects
• Interactions: combining drugs can lead to harmful interactions, including increased risk of overdose or adverse effects
• Side effects: unwanted effects of a drug, ranging from mild to severe
• Health problems: long-term use of drugs can lead to health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or mental health disorders

Classes

• Stimulants: increase alertness and energy, e.g. cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine
• Depressants: slow down brain function, e.g. opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol
• Hallucinogens: alter perception, e.g. LSD, psilocybin, ecstasy
• Opioids: relieve pain, e.g. morphine, heroin, fentanyl
• Cannabinoids: affect mood and perception, e.g. marijuana, THC

General Information

• Prescription drugs: legal drugs available only with a doctor's prescription
• Recreational drugs: illegal drugs used for non-medical purposes
• Drug abuse: using drugs in a way that is harmful to oneself or others
• Drug tolerance: the need for increasing amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect
• Withdrawal: symptoms that occur when a person stops using a drug after long-term use

Test your knowledge about drugs, their effects, risks, and classes. Learn about stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and more. Understand the differences between prescription and recreational drugs, and the consequences of drug abuse.