Types of Drugs and Drug Abuse

There are many types of drugs. There are legal drugs that are used as medicines, such as prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs. There are illegal drugs that you are not supposed to use, buy, or sell.

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs are meant to heal. They must be used correctly. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides that these drugs are safe.

Herbal medicines can have drug-like effects. They are not regulated by the FDA. If the creators of an herbal supplement make a health claim about it, the label must say that the FDA has not evaluated its safety. Herbal medicines should be used carefully. Some herbal medicines can be harmful, especially if they are used improperly. Others can interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, causing dangerous effects or rendering them ineffective.

The nicotine found in tobacco is considered a drug. It is addictive, making the user crave it. Tobacco products, such as cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, are hazardous. Cigars and cigarettes can cause serious illness in both smokers and the nonsmokers who are exposed to their smoke. Chewing tobacco, even though it is not inhaled, still is harmful to the body.