Legal Definitions - addictive drug

An addictive drug is a substance that, when consumed repeatedly, can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. These drugs alter one's perception or consciousness and can be natural or synthetic. Examples of addictive drugs include heroin and nicotine.

Other types of drugs include:

• Adulterated drug: a drug that does not have the strength, quality, or purity represented or expected.
• Dangerous drug: a drug that has potential for abuse or injury, usually requiring a label warning that it cannot be dispensed without a prescription.
• Designer drug: a chemical substance that is created to duplicate the pharmacological effects of controlled substances.
• Ethical drug: a drug that can be dispensed only with a doctor's prescription.
• Generic drug: a drug containing the active ingredient of but not necessarily the same excipient substances as the pioneer drug marketed under a brand name.
• New drug: a drug that experts have not recognized as safe and effective for use under the conditions prescribed.
• Orphan drug: a prescription drug developed to treat diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States or whose developmental costs are not reasonably expected to be recovered from the drug's sales.
• Pioneer drug: the first drug that contains a particular active ingredient that is approved by the FDA for a specified use.
• Precompounded prescription drug: a drug that is distributed from the manufacturer, to the pharmacist, and then to the consumer without a change in form.
• Proprietary drug: a drug that is prepared and packaged for the public's immediate use.

These examples illustrate the different types of drugs and their characteristics. Understanding the different types of drugs is important for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the general public to ensure safe and effective use of medications and prevent drug abuse.