Recreational drugs

Recreational drug use is the use of a psychoactive drug to alter one's mental state in a way that modifies emotions, perceptions, and feelings for recreational purposes. When a substance enters the user's body, it brings on an intoxicating effect, often referred to as a "high". Generally, people use recreational drugs that fall into three categories: depressants (these drugs produce a feeling of relaxation and calmness); stimulants (these drugs give the user a sense of energy and alertness); and psychedelic drugs (these cause hallucinations and perceptual distortions that some users find appealing). In popular usage, it is generally considered to be a tolerated social behaviour rather than a serious medical condition such as self-medication.

Drugs commonly considered capable of recreational use include alcohol (the active ingredient in beer, wine and distilled spirits), marijuana and hashish, nicotine (in tobacco), caffeine (in coffee and black tea), and some controlled substances and illegal drugs within the scope of the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The substances classified as controlled and illegal drugs vary by country, but they usually include methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine and other street drugs and club drugs. In 2009 it was estimated that about 3% to 6% of people aged 15 to 65 had used illegal drugs at least once (149 to 270 million). International and domestic law enforcement agencies are perpetually occupied with interdiction efforts against illegal drug use, manufacture, and distribution.

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