Intoxicant
Intoxicant
Intoxicant (/ɪnˈtɒksɪkənt/), also known as a psychoactive substance, is a substance that induces alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. These substances are often used recreationally, to purposefully alter one's mental state, or as a part of religious or spiritual rituals.
Etymology
The term "intoxicant" derives from the Latin intoxicare, meaning 'to poison'. It is a combination of in (into) and toxicare (to poison), from toxicum (poison).
Types of Intoxicants
Intoxicants can be classified into various types based on their source, effects, and legality. Some common types include:
- Alcohol: A depressant that slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.
- Cannabis: A psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes.
- Opioids: A class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription.
- Hallucinogens: A diverse group of drugs that alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings.
Related Terms
- Addiction: A psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm.
- Withdrawal: The combination of physical and mental effects that a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs.
- Overdose: The ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intoxicant
- Wikipedia's article - Intoxicant
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