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