Chapter 1: What are Drugs?

Introduction

Mention the word drugs and most of us will think of opioids or marijuana.  But when we consider where drugs come from or how they are made and what we can buy at the drug store (prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements), the categories become much broader.  The goal of this chapter is to take a look at what substances are considered to be drugs and how they are classified. This will provide a good base of understanding to delve into how drugs impact the body, health and society.