A drug is any substance that causes a change in
an organism's physiology or psychology when
consumed.Drugs are typically distinguished from
food and substances that provide nutritional
support. Consumption of drugs can be via
inhalation, injection, smoking, ingestion,
absorption via a patch on the skin, suppository, or
dissolution under the tongue.
In pharmacology, a drug is a chemical substance,
typically of known structure, which, when administered
to a living organism, produces a biological effect. A
pharmaceutical drug, also called a medication or
medicine, is a chemical substance used to treat, cure,
prevent, or diagnose a disease or to promote well-
being. Traditionally drugs were obtained through
extraction from medicinal plants, but more recently
also by organic synthesis.Pharmaceutical drugs may be
used for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for
chronic disorders. Pharmaceutical drugs are often
classified into drug classes—groups of related drugs
that have similar chemical structures, the same
mechanism of action (binding to the same biological
target), a related mode of action, and that are used to
treat the same disease.The Anatomical Therapeutic
Chemical Classification System (ATC), the most widely
used drug classification system, assigns drugs a unique
ATC code, which is an alphanumeric code that assigns
it to specific drug classes within the ATC system.
Another major classification system is the
Biopharmaceutics Classification System. This
classifies drugs according to their solubility and
permeability or absorption properties.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug
In English, the noun "drug" is thought to originate
from Old French "drogue", possibly deriving from
"droge (vate)" from Middle Dutch meaning "dry
(barrels)", referring to medicinal plants preserved
as dry matter in barrels.
BWHY DO PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS?
Enjoyment
Although there are clearly risks involved in using
drugs and negative side effects can be experienced,
the evidence of drug use within youth culture
suggests it is often a pleasurable experience. People
who use drugs may like the feelings of excitement,
confidence and connection with others which some
drugs can elicit. Drugs may also help relieve feelings
of boredom.
Environment
Many young people live in communities which suffer
from deprivation, with high unemployment, low
quality housing and where the infra-structure of
local services is poorly resourced. In such
communities drug supply and use often thrive as an
alternative economy. As well as any use that might
be associated with the stress and boredom of living
in such communities, young people with poor job
prospects may recognise the financial advantages
and status achievable through the business of small
scale drug supply.
Curiosity
Humans are naturally curious and want to
experiment with different experiences. For some,
drugs are a good conversation point.
The defence mechanism / self medicating
Some people will use drugs to help them forget
about their problems including any traumatic
experiences they may have had. Drugs may also be
seen as a way to help people relax and deal with
stress, or to help deal with anxiety, depression and
other mental health problems.
Natural rebellion
With young people in particular, taking drugs can be
part of natural rebellion. Drug use may act as a
means of defiance or may be associated with
belonging to an alternative culture.
Promotion, availability and medical use
Drugs are all around us and people are often seen
smoking and using alcohol on television. Alcohol
marketing is also prevalent, including at sports
fixtures.
Peer pressure -There is considerable pressure to
use legal substances. Being around others who are
using drugs can make people feel like they have to
follow suit to fit in. For example, it may be hard to
abstain from alcohol in a pub where everyone else is
drinking.