Drugs - Paper 3

A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function.[3]   There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.[4]

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."[4] Drugs may be prescribed for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.[5]

Recreational drugs are chemical substances that affect the central nervous system, such as opioids or hallucinogens.[5] They may be used for perceived beneficial effects on perception, consciousness, personality, and behavior.[5][6] Some drugs can cause addiction and habituation.[6]

Drugs are usually distinguished from endogenous biochemicals by being introduced from outside the organism.[citation needed] For example, insulin is a hormone that is synthesized in the body; it is called a hormone when it is synthesized by the pancreas inside the body, but if it is introduced into the body from outside, it is called a drug.[citation needed]

Many natural substances such as beers, wines, and some mushrooms, blur the line between food and drugs, as when ingested they affect the functioning of both mind and body.
Contents
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    * 1 Etymology
    * 2 Medication
    * 3 Recreation
    * 4 Spiritual and religious use
    * 5 Nootropics
    * 6 Legal definition of drugs
    * 7 Governmental controls
    * 8 See also
    * 9 References
    * 10 External links

Etymology

Drug is thought to originate from Old French "drogue", possibly deriving later into "droge-vate" from Middle Dutch meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal plants preserved in them.[7]
Medication
Nexium pills 40 mg
(esomeprazole magnesium)
Main article: pharmaceutical drug

A medication or medicine is a drug taken to...