A Short Glossary About Drugs

 

Drugs

I'm a second year student in the Police Technology program at Ahuntsic College and I aspire to be a drug investigator. To help me, and others that could have questions about the many varieties of drugs in our society, this is a glossary about the vast vocabulary of illicit drugs as well as day-to-day drugs. It has 20 terms of what I think are the most common and/or popular drugs. The method I used to find the words is mostly based on research I did on the web. I encourage you to go and have a look of the definition of a substance you could be using and learn about it more!

alcohol

noun

Alcohol is a liquid that is, most of the time, clear. It is made with ethanol and can be very addictive.

bath salts

noun

Street name for a family of drugs, synthetic, unpredictable effects, can lead to various harms and risks.

en: sels de bain

benzodiazepines

noun

Often used as sedatives and tranquilizers, risk of overdose and substance use disorder.

caffeine

noun

Caffeine is a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased alertness. Caffeine gives most people a temporary energy boost and improves mood.

cannabis

noun

Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

cocaine and crack

noun

Cocaine and crack are powerful stimulants and highly addictive. Their effects on your physical and mental health can be serious and sometimes fatal.

codeine

noun

Relieves cough and mild to moderate pain, but is addictive when used in high doses or over a long period of time.

fentanyl

noun

Highly dangerous and potent opioid, high risks of addiction, overdose and death.

GHB

noun

"Date rape" drug, odourless, colourless, high overdose risk, can be addictive with serious withdrawal effects.

heroin

noun

Highly addictive opioid, many negative mental and physical side effects, painful withdrawal.

ketamine

noun

Causes detachment from reality, may lead to risk-taking behaviours, sometimes used as a "date rape" drug.

LSD

noun

Hallucinogenic, synthetic substance, can cause bad trips.

magic mushroom

noun

Hallucinogenic and can cause bad trips.

MDMA

noun

Also known as "ecstasy," addictive, harmful short-and long-term mental and physical effects.

methamphetamine

noun

Highly addictive, strong stimulant, dangerous to your health, long-lasting effects, can be fatal.

morphine

noun

Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abuse and is derived from opium. It is used for the treatment of pain.

nicotine

noun

Nicotine is an addictive drug with both stimulant and depressant effects.

opioids

noun

About opioids, including the effects, risks of problematic use, preventing harm, and how to get help.

PCP

noun

Also known as "angel dust," causes detachment from reality, may lead to risk-taking behaviours.

salvia

noun

Hallucinogen, causes detachment from reality, may lead to risk-taking behaviour.

This glossary was made with the Virtual Writing Tutor glossary maker and grammar checker.