Drug

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Definition and classification

Generic Drug Research

Canesten

File:0588Pharmaceutical drugs of the Philippines 06.jpg

Pharmaceutical drugs of the Philippines

File:Yaba (Ya ba) drug seized by US Customs.jpg

Yaba (Ya ba) drug seized by US Customs

A drug is a substance that, when introduced into the body of a human or another animal, produces one or more effects such as medicinal, intoxicating, therapeutic, performance-enhancing, or psychoactive effects. Drugs are typically distinguished from food in that they are not consumed primarily for nutritional value, though the distinction between drugs and foods may vary across cultures and contexts.

The classification and regulation of drugs differ significantly across societies and legal jurisdictions. A substance considered a drug in one country may be regarded as food, a supplement, or even legal in another. As a result, the legal, cultural, and medical definitions of the term "drug" may diverge.

Within a single jurisdiction, there may be debate or ambiguity over whether a substance qualifies as a drug, how it should be regulated, and what purposes its use may serve. This has led to various interpretations under drug control law, government regulation, clinical pharmacology, and colloquial usage.

Classification

Drugs can be broadly categorized into several groups based on their function and legal status:

• Medicinal drugs: Used for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and pharmaceutical drugs.
• Recreational drugs: Substances used for their psychoactive effects, often without medical justification. Examples include alcohol, cannabis, and certain hallucinogens.
• Performance-enhancing drugs: Used to improve physical or mental function, commonly associated with athletics. Examples include anabolic steroids and certain nootropics.
• Illicit drugs: Substances whose production, sale, or possession is prohibited by law. These vary by jurisdiction and include drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

See also

• Drug discovery
• Drug policy
• Drug prohibition law
• Psychoactive drug
• Responsible drug use
• War on drugs