Drug

A drug is any substance that can be used to modify a chemical process or processes in the body, for example to treat an illness, relieve a symptom, enhance a performance or ability, or to alter states of mind. The word "drug" is etymologically derived from the Dutch/Low German word "droog", which means "dry", since in the past, most drugs were dried plant parts.

Terminology

The term drug lacks precise simple definiton. Substances consumed as foods are not generally considered to be drugs, but the same substances may be consumed for other reasons. For example, many 'foods' contain alcohol or caffeine, which are generally considered to be drugs. Additionally, any component of an herbal product that changes the way the body functions is also a drug. Some people apply the term "drug" only to synthetic or pharmaceutical substances, but this is an incorrect (and subjective) interpretation. Any substance not required for life (like vitamins and foods) that has any effect on body chemistry is a drug.

Related Topics:
Substance - Food - Alcohol - Caffeine

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