Recreational drugs
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drugs (/rɛkrɪˈeɪʃənəl drʌɡz/) are chemical substances consumed for their psychoactive effects, which are often used for the purpose of achieving an altered state of consciousness. The term is often used interchangeably with the term "substance abuse", although the latter has a more negative connotation.
Etymology
The term "recreational drug" is derived from the fact that these substances are often used during leisure activities or "recreation". The word "drug" comes from the Old French "drogue", possibly derived from the Middle Dutch word "droge-vate" (dry barrels), referring to medicinal plants stored in them.
Types of Recreational Drugs
There are several types of recreational drugs, including but not limited to:
- 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 primarily for medical or recreational purposes.
- Cocaine: A powerful stimulant most frequently used as a recreational drug that is snorted, inhaled as smoke, or dissolved and injected into a vein.
- Hallucinogens: A diverse group of drugs that alter a person's awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings.
- Opioids: A class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription.
Related Terms
- Substance Abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Psychoactive Drug: A chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.
- Drug Addiction: A chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Recreational drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Recreational drugs
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