Drug Vocabulary
Addiction
the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity
Blood alcohol content
a measurement of alcohol intoxication used for legal or medical purposes
Cannabis
a tall plant with a stiff upright stem, divided serrated leaves, and glandular hairs. It is used to produce hemp fiber and as a drug
Dependence
the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
Depressant
(chiefly of a drug) reducing functional or nervous activity
Detoxification
medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from drink or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins
Hallucinogen
Inhalant
a broad range of household and industrial chemicals whose volatile vapors or pressurized gases can be concentrated and breathed in via the nose or mouth to produce intoxication, in a manner not intended by the manufacturer
Intoxication
the state of being intoxicated, especially by alcohol
Naloxone/Narcan
a synthetic drug, similar to morphine, which blocks opiate receptors in the nervous system
Nicotine
a toxic colorless or yellowish oily liquid that is the chief active constituent of tobacco. It acts as a stimulant in small doses, but in larger amounts blocks the action of autonomic nerve and skeletal muscle cells. Nicotine is also used in insecticides
Opiate
a drug derived from or related to opium
Overdose
an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug
Potency
the power of something to influence or make an impression
Prescription drug
a pharmaceutical drug that is permitted to be dispensed only to those with a medical prescription
Psychedelic drug
a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states and a perceived "expansion of consciousness"
Recovery
a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength
Relapse
a deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary improvement
Stimulant
a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body
Tobacco
a preparation of the nicotine-rich leaves of an American plant, which are cured by a process of drying and fermentation for smoking or chewing
Tolerance
the capacity to endure continued subjection to something, especially a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction
Withdrawal
the action of withdrawing something