Drugs: meaning, definitions and examples

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drugs

[drʌɡz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

illegal substances

Drugs are substances that have physiological effects when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. They can be legal or illegal, and are often used for their psychoactive effects.

Synonyms

medication, narcotics, substances.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drugs	General term that can refer to both legal medications and illegal substances. It's often used in a more casual context. She takes drugs for her anxiety. He was arrested for possessing drugs.
substances	A more scientific or technical term, used to describe any kind of chemical compounds, whether they are used legally or illegally. Often used in formal discussions or research contexts. The laboratory is testing various substances for their effects on cells. Substance abuse is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
narcotics	Refers to drugs that dull the senses and can cause drowsiness or sleep, often associated with illegal substances or those strictly controlled by law. It often has a negative or more serious connotation. The police found narcotics in the suspect's car. He was charged with trafficking narcotics.
medication	Specifically refers to pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed by doctors to treat illnesses or conditions. It is the most appropriate in formal or medical contexts. The doctor prescribed medication for her high blood pressure. He needs to take his medication twice a day.

Examples of usage

Many people become addicted to drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Drug abuse can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

pharmaceuticals

Drugs are also substances used for medical purposes to treat, cure, or prevent diseases or disorders. They are prescribed by healthcare professionals and can be over-the-counter or prescription-only.

Synonyms

medication, pharmaceuticals, prescription drugs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drugs	Can also refer to legal substances used for medical purposes, but this usage is less specific. She went to the pharmacy to pick up her drugs. Over-the-counter drugs can be very effective for common colds.
medication	Refers specifically to substances used to treat illnesses or medical conditions. More commonly used in a medical or formal context. She needs to take her medication twice a day. The doctor prescribed new medication to help with the pain.
prescription drugs	Specifically refers to medications that can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Often used in medical or regulatory contexts. Prescription drugs must be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. She needed to get a prescription from her doctor to buy the medication.
pharmaceuticals	Used to describe drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies, usually in a business, scientific, or industry-specific context. The company is investing heavily in new pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals have revolutionized the treatment of many chronic diseases.

Examples of usage

She takes several drugs daily to manage her diabetes.
The doctor prescribed a new drug for my allergy symptoms.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'drug' comes from the Old French 'drogue,' which refers to a dried herb or plant.
In ancient times, people used plants and minerals for healing, laying the groundwork for modern medicine.
The first known prescription of a drug dates back to around 2000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia.

Science

Drugs act on the brain by interacting with neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
Different categories of drugs (like stimulants and depressants) have opposing effects on the central nervous system.
Research is ongoing in pharmacogenomics, which studies how a person's genes affect their response to drugs.

Pop Culture

Drug use has been a recurring theme in music, from the psychedelic rock of the 1960s to the lyrics of contemporary hip-hop.
Movies often depict drug-related stories, from cautionary tales like 'Requiem for a Dream' to more glamorous portrayals in 'Scarface.'
The War on Drugs in the 1980s influenced pop culture, leading to awareness campaigns and songs advocating against substance abuse.

Psychology

Certain substances have been shown to affect mood and behavior, leading to a growing interest in their therapeutic potential.
Some people misuse drugs as a way to cope with mental health issues, illustrating the complex relationship between substances and emotional states.
The placebo effect demonstrates how belief in a drug's efficacy can impact its real effects.

Medicine

Pharmaceutical companies develop new drugs through rigorous testing, often taking years to bring a new medication to market.
Many drugs are derived from naturally occurring substances, like penicillin from mold, showcasing the connection between nature and medicine.
Current advancements include gene therapy, which uses drugs to alter genetic material to treat diseases.

Translations

Translations of the word "drugs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 drogas

🇮🇳 दवाएँ

🇩🇪 Drogen

🇮🇩 obat-obatan

🇺🇦 ліки

🇵🇱 leki

🇯🇵 薬 (くすり)

🇫🇷 drogues

🇪🇸 drogas

🇹🇷 ilaçlar

🇰🇷 약물 (yakmul)

🇸🇦 أدوية

🇨🇿 léky

🇸🇰 lieky

🇨🇳 药物 (yàowù)

🇸🇮 zdravila

🇮🇸 lyf

🇰🇿 дәрі-дәрмек

🇬🇪 წამლები

🇦🇿 dərmanlar

🇲🇽 drogas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,123, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2120 constitute
2121 shift
2122 bright
2123 drugs
2124 radiation
2125 returns
2126 remarkable
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