English > drug of abuse: 1 sense > noun 1, artifact| Meaning | A drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind-altering effects); drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addiction. |
|---|
| Synonym | street drug |
|---|
| Narrower | alcohol, alcoholic drink, alcoholic beverage, intoxicant, inebriant | A liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent |
|---|
| amphetamine, pep pill, upper, speed | A central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite |
| gateway drug | A habit-forming drug that is not addictive but its use may lead to the use of other addictive drugs |
| lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD | A powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid |
| sedative, sedative drug, depressant, downer | A drug that reduces excitability and calms a person |
| soft drug | A drug of abuse that is considered relatively mild and not likely to cause addiction |
| tobacco, baccy | leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion |
| Broader | drug | A substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic |
|---|
