Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A drug is any substance that, when taken into the body, alters its structure or function. Drugs can be prescribed for medical purposes, used recreationally, or abused.
Addiction is a psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or behavior. It involves compulsive drug-seeking and use despite negative consequences.
Pharmacology: Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with biological systems, including their effects, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses.