Introduction Due to the magnitude of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, and its profound impact on public health and social structures, an emphasis on…
Introduction Gambling has become increasingly accessible and socially acceptable over the past two decades, with an increasing number of venues and opportunities through casinos, video lottery terminals, sports betting venues,…
Introduction Ketamine and phencyclidine are chemically related to each other and have psychotropic effects similar to those of other prototypical hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide. Phencyclidine was developed first…
Classification Medications derived from Papaver somniferum , the opium poppy, have played a central role in medical practice for well over 3500 years. Sumerian clay tablets, which include our oldest…
Introduction Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) refer to the male hormone, testosterone, and many of its natural and synthetic derivatives. All AASs have androgenic (masculinizing) and muscle-specific (anabolic) effects, but some are…
Types of Inhalants Being Abused Inhalants encompass a wide range of pharmacologically diverse substances that readily vaporize. Unlike most other substances of abuse, which are classified into groups that share…
Introduction The sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics are central nervous system depressants that also have muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects and are widely used in psychiatry, neurology, anesthesiology, and general medicine. The…
Introduction Methamphetamine, developed in 1893, is a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system and other major organ systems. Until the 1950s, no prescription was necessary to obtain methamphetamine…
Introduction Marijuana (also referred to as cannabis) is a drug that is derived from the flowers, stems, leaves, and seeds of the hemp plant ( Cannabis sativa ). Cannabis is…
