Drug & Toxicology Vocabulary

addiction

A physical process associated with drug use whereby a person craves a drug; failure to take the drug can result in withdrawal symptoms.

anabolic steroids

Synthetic compounds chemically related to the male sex hormone testosterone that are used to promote muscle growth.

club drug

Synthetic drugs that are often used at bars, nightclubs, concerts, festivals and raves.

confirmation

A single test that specifically identifies a substance.

controlled substance

A drug or other chemical compound whose manufacture, distribution, possession, and use are regulated by the legal system.

Controlled Substance Act

Law that established penalties for possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and established five schedules for classifying drugs.

depressant

A substance that slows down, or depresses, the functions of the central nervous system, reducing alertness.

drug

A natural or synthetic substance that is used to produce physiological or psychological effects in humans.

hallucinogen

A substance that induces changes in normal thought processes, perceptions, and moods.

narcotic

A drug that induces sleep and depresses vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate and suppresses pain.

physical dependence

Physiological need for a drug brought about by its regular use and characterized by withdrawal sickness when administration of the drug is abruptly stopped.

psychological dependence

The conditioned use of a drug caused by underlying emotional needs.

screening test

A preliminary test used to reduce the number of possible identities of an unknown substance.

stimulant

A substance that speeds up, or stimulates, the central nervous system.

toxicology

The study of drugs, poisons, toxins, and other substances that harm a person when used for medical, recreational, or criminal purposes.