Drugs, Drug Abuse, and Drug Policy

The term “drug” has been both broadly and narrowly defined. At its simplest, it is reserved for substances which are prohibited under criminal law. Deploying this definition, the range of substances classified as drugs varies across time and across jurisdictions. However, typically, it refers to substances such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines. At the other extreme, more inclusive definitions of the term have been adopted. In addition to outlawed substances, in these instances, drugs can refer to alcohol and tobacco, plus substances such as solvents, prescribed medication, and over‐the‐counter remedies used illicitly. When developing policies, countries are most likely to utilize a narrow definition and focus attention on illegal drugs. However, the rapid development of so‐called “legal highs” (designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs) now requires a more inclusive approach

Business · Criminology · Drug · Ecstasy · Heroin · Psychiatry · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Medicine · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes · Pharmacology