Glossary of Drug Terms and Definitions

Understanding drug-related terms is essential for prevention, education, and recovery. This glossary provides clear, concise definitions to help readers grasp key concepts without complex medical or psychological jargon.

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Categories A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Categories

• Cannabinoids
  Substances like cannabis that affect mood, memory, and appetite.
• Depressants
  Substances that slow brain activity, like alcohol and benzodiazepines.
• Dissociatives
  Drugs like ketamine that distort perception of reality and pain.
• Hallucinogens
  Drugs that alter perception and cause hallucinations, such as LSD and psilocybin.
• Inhalants
  Volatile substances inhaled for psychoactive effects, like glue or paint thinner.
• Misused Prescription Drugs
  Medications taken without medical guidance for their mind-altering effects.
• New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
  Synthetic drugs designed to mimic other substances and avoid regulation.
• Opioids
  Drugs that relieve pain and cause euphoria, including heroin and morphine.
• Stimulants
  Drugs that increase activity in the brain and body, such as cocaine or amphetamines.
• Tranquilizers
  Drugs that calm anxiety and reduce tension. Includes benzodiazepines and similar substances.

A

• Alcohol
  A legal depressant that slows brain function. Overuse can lead to dependence and serious health risks.
• Amphetamines
  Stimulant drugs that increase energy and focus. Often misused for performance or weight loss.

B

• Bath Salts
  Synthetic stimulants that can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and aggressive behavior.
• Benzodiazepines
  Prescription sedatives used for anxiety and insomnia. Can be addictive with long-term use.

C

• Cocaine
  A powerful stimulant that increases alertness and confidence. Highly addictive and dangerous.
• Crack
  A smokable form of cocaine. Produces short, intense highs and has a high addiction risk.

D

• Designer Drugs
  Lab-made drugs with altered chemical structures to avoid regulation. Effects can be unpredictable.

E

• Ecstasy
  Also known as MDMA. A stimulant and hallucinogen often used in party settings.

F

• Fentanyl
  A synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Common cause of overdose deaths.
• Flashback
  A sudden, brief recurrence of a drug’s effects long after use has stopped.

G

• GHB
  A depressant sometimes used in nightlife scenes. Known for sedative and amnesic effects.

H

• Heroin
  An illegal opioid made from morphine. Highly addictive and often injected.

I

• Inhalants
  Chemical vapors inhaled for a high. Common substances include glue, paint, and aerosols.

J

• Joint
  A hand-rolled cigarette filled with marijuana.

K

• Ketamine
  A dissociative anesthetic used medically and recreationally. Can cause hallucinations and detachment.

L

• LSD
  A hallucinogenic drug that alters perception and mood. Known for intense visual effects.

M

• Marijuana
  A plant used recreationally and medically. Causes relaxation, altered senses, and appetite changes.
• Methamphetamine
  A highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Also called ‘meth’ or ‘crystal’.

N

• Narcotic
  A general term for drugs that relieve pain and can cause sleep. Often used to describe opioids.

O

• Overdose
  Taking too much of a drug, leading to serious harm or death.

P

• Prescription Drugs
  Medications legally prescribed that can be misused when taken without guidance.

Q

• Quitting Drugs
  The process of stopping drug use. Often requires support and structured treatment.

R

• Relapse
  Returning to drug use after a period of abstinence.

S

• Spice
  A synthetic cannabinoid often marketed as a safe alternative to marijuana. Effects can be severe.
• Subutex
  A brand of buprenorphine used to treat opioid dependence.

T

• Tranquilizers
  Drugs that calm anxiety and reduce tension. Includes benzodiazepines and similar substances.

U

• Use Disorder
  A medical term for problematic drug or alcohol use that affects daily life.

V

• Vaping
  Inhaling vapor from an electronic device. Often used for nicotine or THC.

W

• Withdrawal
  Symptoms that occur when stopping or reducing drug use after dependence has formed.

X

• Xanax
  A brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety.

Y

• Youth Drug Use
  Drug consumption among teenagers and young adults. Often linked to peer pressure and experimentation.

Z

• Z-drugs
  Sleeping pills like zolpidem or zopiclone. Can be addictive when misused.