A drug, broadly speaking, is any
substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism,
alters normal bodily function.There is no single, precise definition,
as there are different meanings in drug control law, government
regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.
In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being. Drugs may be prescribed for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.
The molecules of drugs are complex, and most of them consist of many hydrogen and carbon atoms, a few oxygen atoms, and one or a few nitrogen atoms. Drugs may also have no nitrogen atoms in it and many may have chlorine atoms in it, such as chloral hydrate.
In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being. Drugs may be prescribed for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.
The molecules of drugs are complex, and most of them consist of many hydrogen and carbon atoms, a few oxygen atoms, and one or a few nitrogen atoms. Drugs may also have no nitrogen atoms in it and many may have chlorine atoms in it, such as chloral hydrate.
Recreational drugs are chemical substances that affect the central nervous system, such as opioids or hallucinogens. They may be used for perceived beneficial effects on perception, consciousness, personality, and behavior. Some drugs can cause addiction and/or habituation.
Medication
A medication or medicine is a drug taken to cure and/or ameliorate any symptoms of an illness or medical condition, or may be used as preventive medicine that has future benefits but does not treat any existing or pre-existing diseases or symptoms.
Dispensing of medication is often regulated by governments into three categories—over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, behind-the-counter (BTC), which are dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription, and prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional, usually a physician.
A medication or medicine is a drug taken to cure and/or ameliorate any symptoms of an illness or medical condition, or may be used as preventive medicine that has future benefits but does not treat any existing or pre-existing diseases or symptoms.
Dispensing of medication is often regulated by governments into three categories—over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, behind-the-counter (BTC), which are dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription, and prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional, usually a physician.
Coffee is the most widely used
psychoactive drug beverage in the world. In 1999, the average
consumption of coffee was 3.5 cups per day per U.S. Citizen
Wine is a common alcoholic beverage
The cigarette is the common
pharmaceutical form of tobacco – one of the world’s best selling
drugs
Cannabis is another commonly used recreational drug
Some governments define the term drug
by law. In the United States, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act definition of "drug" includes "articles intended
for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention
of disease in man or other animals" and "articles (other
than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the
body of man or other animals."Consistent with that definition,
the U.S. separately defines narcotic drugs and controlled substances,
which may include non-drugs, and explicitly excludes tobacco,
caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
Administering drugs
Drugs, both medicinal and recreational, can be administered in a number of ways. Many drugs can be administered in a variety of ways rather than just one.
* Bolus
* Inhaled, (breathed into the lungs), as an aerosol or dry powder. (This includes smoking a substance)
* Injected as a solution, suspension or emulsion either: intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraosseous.
* Insufflation, or snorted into the nose.
* Orally, as a liquid or solid, that is absorbed through the intestines.
* Rectally as a suppository, that is absorbed by the rectum or colon.
* Sublingually, diffusing into the blood through tissues under the tongue.
* Topically, usually as a cream or ointment. A drug administered in this manner may be given to act locally or systemically.
* Vaginally as a suppository, primarily to treat vaginal infections.
Drugs, both medicinal and recreational, can be administered in a number of ways. Many drugs can be administered in a variety of ways rather than just one.
* Bolus
* Inhaled, (breathed into the lungs), as an aerosol or dry powder. (This includes smoking a substance)
* Injected as a solution, suspension or emulsion either: intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraosseous.
* Insufflation, or snorted into the nose.
* Orally, as a liquid or solid, that is absorbed through the intestines.
* Rectally as a suppository, that is absorbed by the rectum or colon.
* Sublingually, diffusing into the blood through tissues under the tongue.
* Topically, usually as a cream or ointment. A drug administered in this manner may be given to act locally or systemically.
* Vaginally as a suppository, primarily to treat vaginal infections.
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