Psychology Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
in: Pages using ISBN magic links, Pages with broken file links, Addiction,
and 7 more

Changes: Recreational drug use

Back to page
Sign in to edit
(temp)
m (Reverted edits by 94.41.185.52 (talk) to last version by Dr Joe Kiff)
 
(4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
   
 
{{Drugs}}
  
{{Drugs}}
−
'''Recreational drug use''' is the use of [[psychoactive drug]]s for [[recreation]]al purposes rather than for [[work]], [[Medicine|medical]] or [[Spirituality|spiritual]] purposes, although the distinction is not always clear. Regardless of medical supervision, this label does not apply to the use of drugs for utilitarian purposes, such as the relief of fatigue or [[insomnia]], or the control of [[appetite]].
 +
'''Recreational drug use''' is the use of [[psychoactive drug]]s for [[recreation]]al purposes rather than for [[employment|work]], [[Medicine|medical]] or [[Spirituality|spiritual]] purposes, although the distinction is not always clear (often spiritual use is considered recreational).
   
  +
Psychopharmacologist [[Ronald K. Siegel]] refers to intoxication as the "fourth drive," arguing that the human instinct to seek mind-altering substances has so much force and persistence that it functions like the human drives for [[hunger]], [[thirst]] and shelter.<ref>{{cite book
−
A distinction must be made between (recreational) drug ''use'' and [[drug abuse]], although there is much [[controversy]] on where the dividing line lies on the spectrum from a drug '''user''' to a drug '''abuser'''. Some say that abuse begins when the user begins shirking responsibility in order to afford drugs or to have enough time to use them. Some say it begins when a person uses "excessive" amounts, while others draw the line at the point of legality. Some think that any intoxicant consumption is an inappropriate activity. Some view drug use as a form of "worldly attachment" much like sex, the obtaining of material goods, and consumption of food; in this view, drug use can indeed be destructive even in small quantities, but no more so than other worldly attachments (which all humans are arguably engaged in).
 
  +
| last = Siegel
  +
| first = Ronald K
  +
| authorlink =
  +
| coauthors =
  +
| title = Intoxication: The universal drive for mind-altering substances
  +
| publisher = Park Street Press
  +
|date=2005
  +
| location = Vermont
  +
| pages = vii
  +
| url =
  +
| doi =
  +
| isbn = 1-59477-069-7
  +
| nopp = true }}</ref>
   
−
==History==
 +
==Distinctions==
  +
===Responsible drug use===
−
The recreational use of drugs has existed throughout human history.
  
  +
{{Main|Responsible drug use}}
   
  +
The concept of responsible drug use is that a person can use recreational drugs with reduced or eliminated risk of negatively affecting other parts of one's life or other peoples lives. Advocates of this philosophy point to the many well-known artists and intellectuals who have used drugs, experimentally or otherwise, with few detrimental effects on their lives. Critics argue that the drugs are escapist--and dangerous, unpredictable and sometimes addictive, and have negative and profound effects in geographic areas well beyond the location of the consumer. It should be noted that these criticism can apply to a number of non drug related addictions and behavioral abuse disorders. According to medical literature, responsible drug use only becomes drug abuse when the use of the substance significantly interferes with the user's daily life.
−
The most widespread recreationally used drug throughout human history has been [[ethanol|alcohol]]. [[Beer]] and [[wine]] were produced in [[India]] and [[Persia]] and in the [[Mediterranean_Sea|Mediterranean]] before recorded history. Popular theory seems to agree that people first consumed and enjoyed the effect of overripe fruit, which would contain some alcohol. Modern research in the wild has shown this to be the case among many modern animals [http://www.utexas.edu/opa/news/00newsreleases/nr_200003/nr_fruit000301.html] [http://www.save-the-elephants.org/Elephant%20News%20Items/Of%20Drunken%20Elephants.htm].
  
   
  +
==Drugs popularly used for recreation==
−
[[Nicotine]], the psychoactive constituent of [[tobacco]], was first used by Europeans in the sixteenth century, but was used ritually in the Americas centuries prior. [[Caffeine]] has a long history of human consumption as well, and may have overtaken alcohol as the most popular recreational drug. Despite relatively recent proscription as an illegal drug in much of the world, [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] retains its historical popularity. Cannabis, like alcohol, has been used in many cultures throughout history.
  
  +
===Most Popular Psychoactives===
  +
The drugs most popular for recreational use worldwide are:<ref>Lingeman, Drugs from A-Z A Dictionary, Penguin ISBN 0 7139 0136 5</ref>
  +
*[[Ethanol]] (commonly known as '''[[alcohol]]''') - Legal in most parts of the world.
  +
*[[Caffeine]] - Most widely used legal psychoactive substance.
  +
**[[Theobromine]] - Caffeine-related substance found in chocolate.
  +
*[[Cannabis (drug)|Cannabis]] ([[Cannabinoids]], primarily [[Tetrahydrocannabinol]]) - Most widely used psychoactive that is illegal in many parts of the world.
  +
*[[Tobacco]] ([[nicotine]]) - Legal in most parts of the world.
   
  +
===Other Psychoactives===
−
Recreational use of [[opium]] (extracted from the immature seed pods of a species of [[poppy]]) was once common in Asia, and from there spread to the West. Its use peaked in the [[nineteenth century]], when the [[British Empire]] and other Western powers used military power to force [[China]] to legalize its importation from India and other British colonies (see [[Opium Wars]]). [[Coca]] has been chewed by natives and peasants long prior to its refinement into [[cocaine]]. Similarly, [[khat]] and many other substances have long histories of recreational use.
  
  +
Other substances often used (street names in italics):<ref>Lingeman, Drugs from A-Z A Dictionary, Penguin ISBN 0 7139 0136 5</ref><ref name="Erowid">Erowid.org, Erowid Psychoactive Vaults, http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/psychoactives.shtml</ref><ref name="DEA"> DEA Drug Database, http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/concern.htm</ref>
  +
===== [[Barbiturate]]s, including =====
   
  +
* [[Amobarbital]] (Sodium Amytal)
−
Many other substances were once commonly used as recreational drugs, but fell from favor for various reasons. [[Islam]] forbids the consumption of [[alcoholic beverage]]s, and many religions discourage the recreational use of drugs. In the 20th century some Western countries, notably the [[United States]], have criminalized the use of many recreational drugs, and used diplomatic, economic and military pressure on other countries to do the same. Thus, for example, the Japanese [[hemp]] plant &mdash; once widely grown as a source of textile fiber &mdash; was wiped out during the American occupation after [[World War II]], and today only survives in a handful of strictly controlled bio-conservation plots.
  
  +
* [[Aprobarbital]] (Alurate)
  +
* [[Butalbital]] ([[Fiorinal]], [[Fioricet]])
  +
* [[Methylphenobarbital]] (Mebaral)
  +
* [[Sodium thiopental]] (Sodium Pentothal), ''truth serum''
  +
* [[Pentobarbital]] (Nembutal)
  +
* [[Phenobarbital]] (Luminal)
  +
* [[Secobarbital]] (Seconal)
   
  +
===== [[Benzodiazepines]], including =====
−
==Legal aspects==
  
−
In many cases, the possession and use of common recreational drugs violates the law. This attitude is less prevalent in western [[Europe]]&mdash;see "[[Drug policy of the Netherlands]]"&mdash;and more recently in [[Canada]], where enforcement of extant legal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana and other so-called "[[Hard and soft drugs|soft drug]]s" such as [[Psychedelic mushroom|hallucinogenic mushrooms]] is increasingly ignored or given a low priority by law enforcement officials.
  
   
  +
* [[Alprazolam]] (Xanax)
−
This attitude stands in marked contrast to the official policy of the [[United States]] government, which declared a "[[War on Drugs]]" under President [[Richard Nixon]] in [[1972]] which later intensified under [[Ronald Reagan]], but saw its greatest increases (in budget, and in the number of arrests and prosecutions) under President [[Bill Clinton]]. The United States is far more stringent about enforcing penalties for "soft drug" use. The [[Drug Enforcement Administration]], or DEA, is primarily responsible for illegal drug interdiction at the federal level. Despite the application of billions of dollars to eliminate the use of illegal drugs, recreational drug use remains common in the United States, and according to some studies is actually more common than in Europe where the laws are more relaxed. Millions of illicit drug users exist in the United States who have never faced prosecution. Many American police officers don't bother enforcing possession laws on those holding small quanities of ''soft drugs''.
  
  +
* [[Bromazepam]] (Lexotanil)
  +
* [[Chlordiazepoxide]] (Librium)
  +
* [[Clonazepam]] (Rivotril, Klonopin)
  +
* [[Diazepam]] (Valium), ''mommy's little helper''
  +
* [[Lorazepam]] (Temesta, Ativan)
  +
* [[Flunitrazepam]] (Rohypnol)
  +
* [[Midazolam]] (Dormicum)
  +
* [[Nimetazepam]] (Erimin)
  +
* [[Nitrazepam]] (Mogadon)
  +
* [[Oxazepam]] (Seresta)
  +
* [[Temazepam]] (Normison, Restoril)
   
  +
===== [[Nonbenzodiazepine]]s, including =====
−
In [[Asia]] penalties vary from country to country, but can be even stricter in than in the West. For example, under [[Law of Singapore|Singapore law]], drug trafficking in over 15g of heroin carries a mandatory [[death penalty]].
  
   
  +
* [[Zaleplon]] (Sonata)
−
Some theorize that the taboos on recreational drugs adds an aura of mystique to their use, and encourages experimentation (i.e., the "[[forbidden fruit]]" phenomenon). This phenomenon was prevalent in the 1920s during the American alcohol [[prohibition]]. Also it is argued that the dangers of illicit drugs are widely exaggerated, and actual experimentation can give the user a sense of knowledge of the true dangers of a drugs side effects, and addictive properties.
  
  +
* [[Zolpidem]] (Ambien)
  +
* [[Zopiclone]] (Imovane)
  +
* [[Eszopiclone]] (Lunesta)
   
  +
===== [[Deliriant]]s, including =====
−
A few societies have abandoned what they feel are unsuccessful attempts to prohibit recreational drugs, and instead turned to a policy of [[harm reduction]] by informing users of ways to reduce common risks associated with popular drugs, and providing medical assistance for drug users who wish to stop using drugs. Harm reduction is the official [[Drug policy of the Netherlands|policy of the Netherlands]], [[Brazil]], and some areas of Canada such as [[Vancouver]], which have stopped actively prosecuting end users of recreational drugs. Instead, law enforcement efforts focus on capturing illegal dealers of "[[hard drug]]s" such as [[heroin]] and [[cocaine]], passing out clean needles to [[intravenous]] (IV) drug users, and providing medical assistance for addicted users who wish to stop taking drugs.
  
   
  +
* [[Atropine]] ([[Tropane alkaloid]]), found in [[datura]], ''angel's trumpets''
−
Many currently legal recreational drugs (examples: [[ethanol|alcohol]], [[tobacco]] and [[caffeine]]) have been subject to prohibition throughout history, and likewise most of the currently illegal recreational drugs have been legal as recently as the early twentieth century.
  
  +
* [[Diphenhydramine]] (Benadryl, Sominex, Unisom, Nytol)
  +
* [[Dimenhydrinate]] (Dramamine)
  +
* [[Scopolamine]] ([[Tropane alkaloid]]), found in [[datura]], ''angel's trumpets''
   
  +
===== [[Dissociative drug|Dissociative anaesthetics]], including =====
−
==Drugs popularly used for recreation==
  
−
The drugs most popular for recreational use worldwide are:
  
−
*[[Alcohol]]
  
−
*[[Caffeine]]
  
−
*[[Cannabis (drug)|Cannabis]] ([[THC]])
  
−
*[[Tobacco]] ([[nicotine]])
  
−
*[[Betel nut]] ([[arecoline]])
 
−
*[[Khat]]
 
−
*[[Kratom]]
 
−
Other substances often used:
  
   
  +
* [[Nitrous oxide]], ''laughing gas'', ''whip-its''
−
* [[Barbiturates]], including:
  
  +
* [[Dextromethorphan]] ([[DXM]]), ''dex'', ''dextro'', ''skittles'', ''robo''
−
** [[amobarbital]] (Sodium Amytal®)
  
  +
** ''[[Triple C]]s'', ''[[CCC]]'' refers to a mixture of this and [[Chlorpheniramine maleate]]<ref name="Erowid"/>
−
** [[aprobarbital]] (Alurate®)
  
  +
* [[Ketamine]] (Ketaset, Ketanest, Ketalar), ''K'', ''Special K''
−
** [[butabarbital]] (Butisol®)
  
  +
* [[Phencyclidine]] (PCP), ''angel dust''
−
** [[butalbital]] (Fiorinal®)
  
−
** [[hexobarbital]] (Sombulex®)
  
−
** [[methylphenobarbital]] (Mebaral®)
  
−
** [[pentobarbital]] (Nembutal®)
  
−
** [[phenobarbital]] (Luminal®)
  
−
** [[secobarbital]] (Seconal®)
  
−
** [[sodium thiopental]] (Sodium Pentothal®)
  
−
** [[talbutal]] (Lotusate®)
  
   
  +
===== [[Opium]] ([[Opium poppy|Papaver somniferum]]) and [[opioid]]s, including =====
−
* [[Benzodiazepines]], including:
  
−
** [[alprazolam]] (Xanax®)
  
−
** [[clonazepam]] (Klonopin®)
  
−
** [[diazepam]] (Valium®)
  
−
** [[flunitrazepam]] (Rohypnol®)
  
−
** [[lorazepam]] (Ativan®)
  
−
** [[nitrazepam]] {Mogadon®)
  
−
** [[temazepam]] (Restoril®)
  
   
  +
* [[Buprenorphine]] (Temgesic, Transtec, Subutex), ''Temies'', ''Subbies''
−
* [[Deliriants]], including:
  
−
** [[atropine]]
 +
* [[Codeine]]
  +
** ''[[Purple drank]]'' refers to a mixture of this and [[Promethazine]]
−
** [[diphenhydramine hydrochloride]] (Benadryl®)
  
  +
* [[Dextropropoxyphene]] (Depronal, Darvocet)
−
** [[dimenhydrinate]] (Dramamine®)
  
  +
* [[Diacetylmorphine]] (Heroin)
−
** [[scopolamine]]
  
  +
* [[Dihydrocodeine]] (DHC), (DF 118)
  +
* [[Fentanyl]] ([[Duragesic]], Sublimaze, [[Actiq]])
  +
** [[3-Methylfentanyl]]
  +
* [[Hydrocodone]] ([[Vicodin]]), ([[Lortab]])
  +
* [[Hydromorphone]] (Dilaudid), (Palladon)
  +
* [[Meperidine]], or [[Pethidine]] (Demerol)
  +
* [[Methadone]] (Symoron, Methadose)
  +
* [[Morphine]] (MS Contin, Oramorph, Kapanol)
  +
* [[Nicomorphine]] (Morzet)
  +
* [[Oxycodone]] (OxyContin, OxyNorm, Roxicodone)
  +
* [[Oxymorphone]] (Opana)
  +
* [[Pentazocine]] (Fortral)
  +
* [[Tramadol]] (Ultram, Tramal, Tramagetic)
   
  +
===== [[Phenethylamine]]s, including, but not limited to =====
−
* [[Dissociative drug|Dissociative anaesthetics]], including:
  
−
** [[dextromethorphan]] (DXM)
  
−
** [[ketamine]] (Ketaset®)
  
−
** [[nitrous oxide]]
  
−
** [[phencyclidine]] (PCP)
  
−
** [[salvinorin A]], found in [[Salvia divinorum]]
  
   
  +
* [[2C-B]], ''nexus'', ''bees''
−
* [[Opium]] ([[Opium poppy|Papaver somniferum]]) and [[Opioid|opioids]], including:
  
−
** [[codeine]]
 +
* [[2C-E]]
  +
* [[2C-I]], substance sometimes sold as mescaline
−
** [[fentanyl]] (Duragesic®, Actiq®)
  
−
** [[heroin]]
 +
* [[2C-T-2]]
  +
* [[2C-T-7]]
−
** [[hydrocodone]] ([[Vicodin]]®)
  
  +
* [[2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine|DOB]]
−
** [[hydromorphone]] {Dilaudid®)
  
  +
* [[2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine|DOM]]
−
** [[meperidine]] (Demerol®)
  
  +
* [[4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine|DOC]], substance sometimes sold on blotter paper as LSD
−
** [[methadone]] (Methadose®)
  
  +
* [[Methylenedioxymethamphetamine|MDMA]], ''ecstasy''
−
** [[morphine]]
  
  +
* [[MDEA]]
−
** [[oxycodone]] (OxyContin®, Roxicodone®)
  
  +
* [[3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine|MDA]]
−
** [[oxymorphone]] (Opana®)
  
  +
* [[Mescaline]] (found in [[peyote]], [[peruvian torch]], [[san pedro cactus|san pedro]] and other [[cacti]]).
  +
* [[Nutmeg]], the active constituents of such are metabolized by the body into phenethylamine compounds, including [[PMA]]
   
  +
For more information see: [[PiHKAL]].
−
* [[Phenethylamines]], including:
  
−
** [[2C-B]]
  
−
** [[2C-E]]
  
−
** [[2C-I]]
  
−
** [[2C-T-7]]
  
−
** [[ephedrine]] ([[ephedra]])
  
−
** [[Methylenedioxymethamphetamine|MDMA]] (ecstasy)
  
−
** [[3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine|MDEA]]
  
−
** [[MDA]]
  
−
** [[mescaline]] (found in [[peyote]] and other [[cacti]])
  
   
  +
NOTE: Several stimulant substances are also classified chemically as Phenethylamines, including [[amphetamine]]s and [[ephedrine]].
−
* [[Stimulants]], including:
  
−
** [[benzylpiperazine|BZP]] and other [[piperazine]]-based drugs ([[mCPP]], [[TFMPP]])
  
−
** [[cocaine]]
  
−
** [[dextroamphetamine]] (Dexedrine®)
  
−
** [[methamphetamine]] (Desoxyn®)
  
−
** [[methylphenidate]] (Ritalin®)
  
   
−
* [[Indole alkaloids]], including:
 +
===== [[Stimulants]], including =====
−
**[[Tryptamines]], including:
  
−
*** [[dimethyltryptamine]] (DMT, found in numerous plants)
  
−
*** [[psilocybin]] and [[psilocin]] (found in [[psychedelic mushroom]]s)
  
−
** [[ergine]]
  
−
** [[LSD]] (Lysergic acid diethylamide) (Delysid®)
  
   
  +
* [[Benzylpiperazine|BZP]] and other [[piperazine]]-based drugs ([[1-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazine|mCPP]], [[TFMPP]]), ''party pills''
−
* [[Inhalant]]s, including:
  
−
** [[alkyl nitrites]] ([[poppers]])
 +
* [[Cathinone]] (found in the ''[[khat]]'' plant)
−
** [[chloroform]]
 +
* [[Cocaine]], ''coke''
  +
** ''[[Crack cocaine|Crack]]'' refers to a freebase, cut form of the substance made for smoking
−
** [[diethyl ether]]
  
  +
* [[Dextroamphetamine]] (Dexedrine, [[Adderall]]), ''speed''
−
** [[gasoline]]
  
  +
* [[Methamphetamine]] (Desoxyn), ''meth'', ''ice'')
−
** [[glue]]
  
  +
* [[Methcathinone]] ("cat", chemically related to, but not to be confused with khat/qat/cathinone)
−
** [[toluene]]
  
  +
* [[Methylphenidate]] (Ritalin, Concerta)
  +
* [[Ephedrine]]
  +
* [[Propylhexedrine]], OTC stimulant chemically similar to [[methamphetamine]]
   
  +
===== [[Indole]] alkaloids, including, but not limited to =====
−
* Unclassified:
  
  +
−
** [[gamma-hydroxybutyrate]] (GHB)
  
  +
* [[Tryptamine]]s, including, but not limited to:
−
** [[kava]]
  
  +
** [[Dimethyltryptamine]] (DMT, found in numerous plants)
−
** [[MAO inhibitor]]s, to potentiate certain other drugs
  
  +
** [[Psilocybin]] and [[psilocin]] (found in [[psilocybin mushrooms|psychedelic mushroom]]s), ''shrooms''
  +
** [[Diisopropyltryptamine]] (DiPT)
  +
* [[Ergine|LSA]] (Lysergic acid amide/ergine, found in [[Morning Glory]] seeds)
  +
* [[Lysergic acid diethylamide|LSD]] (Lysergic acid diethylamide) (Delysid), ''acid''
  +
* [[Ibogaine]] (found in the ''[[Tabernanthe iboga]]'' plant)
  +
  +
For more information see: [[TiHKAL]].
  +
  +
NOTE: In regards to chemical classification, several psychoactives without effect-based classification also fall into this category including [[yohimbe]] and [[7-hydroxymitragynine]], the active constituent of [[kratom]].
  +
  +
===== [[Inhalant]]s, including =====
  +
  +
* [[Alkyl nitrites]] ([[poppers]])
  +
* [[Chloroethane]]
  +
* [[Chloroform]]
  +
* [[Diethyl ether]]
  +
* [[Gasoline]]
  +
* [[Glue]]
  +
* [[Toluene]]
  +
* [[Jenkem]]
  +
  +
===== Unclassified =====
  +
  +
* [[gamma-hydroxybutyrate]] (GHB)
  +
* [[Kava]]
  +
* [[Kratom]]
  +
* [[MAO inhibitor]]s (Harmala, Harmaline), to potentiate certain other drugs
  +
* [[Muscimol]] and [[Ibotenic acid]], the psychoactive constituents of [[Amanita Muscaria]] mushrooms, ''toadstools''
  +
* [[Salvinorin A]], found in [[Salvia divinorum]], ''diviner's sage''
  +
* [[Carisoprodol]] (Soma)
  +
* [[Yohimbine]], found in energy/weight-loss supplements/drinks and used traditionally as an aphrodisiac
  +
* [[Methaqualone]], "Quaalude"
  +
  +
== Demographics ==
  +
  +
[[Image:Male Smoking by Country.png|thumb|300px|right|Smoking any tobacco product, %, Males<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.who.int/entity/tobacco/mpower/mpower_report_prevalence_data_2008.pdf WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008]</ref> (See [[:Image:Female Smoking by Country.png|the same map for female smokers]].)]]
  +
  +
[[Image:Alcohol consumption per capita world map.PNG|thumb|300px|Total recorded [[countries by alcohol consumption|alcohol per capita consumption]] (15+), in litres of pure alcohol<ref>[http://www.who.int/entity/substance_abuse/publications/global_status_report_2004_overview.pdf Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004]</ref>]]
  +
  +
=== United States ===
  +
  +
Drug use has increased in all categories since prohibition.<ref name="MonitoringTheFuture">[http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/new.html Monitoring The Future]</ref> Since 1937, 20% to 37% of the youth in the United States have used marijuana. One in four high school seniors has used the drug in the past month; one in ten 8th graders has done so.<ref>[http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/whiteb1.htm Charles Whitebread: The History of the Non-Medical Use of Drugs in the United States]</ref><ref name="MonitoringTheFuture" /> Between 1972 and 1988, the use of cocaine increased more than fivefold.<ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR331/ Controlling Cocaine: Supply Versus Demand Programs]</ref> The usage patterns of the current two most prevalent drugs, methamphetamine and ecstasy, have shown similar gains.<ref name="MonitoringTheFuture" />
  +
  +
=== Ireland ===
  +
  +
A study in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] found that for teenagers aged 15-19:<ref>[http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0523/drugs.html RTÉ News - Half of young people use drink, drugs]</ref>
  +
  +
* 86% Drink alcohol (the legal alcohol purchase age and public [[Legal drinking age|drinking age]] is 18.)
  +
** 51% [[binge drink]] (defined as five drinks or more at occasion) at least once a month.
  +
** 19% Binge drink once a week.
  +
** On a typical drinking occasion, the average amount of alcoholic beverages consumed is 5.75 pints.
  +
** The average age for taking a first alcoholic drink is 13½.
  +
* 50% Have used illegal drugs at least once.
  +
** 41% Have used [[cannabis]] at least once.
  +
** The average age of first illegal drug use is 14½.
  +
  +
=== Worldwide ===
  +
  +
Usage rates around the world:
  +
  +
* [[Adult lifetime cannabis use by country]]
  +
* [[Annual cannabis use by country]]
  +
* [[List of countries by alcohol consumption]]
   
 
== See also ==
  
== See also ==
  +
  +
* [[420 (cannabis culture)]]
 
* [[Arguments for and against drug prohibition]]
  
* [[Arguments for and against drug prohibition]]
  +
* [[Cannabis culture]]
 
* [[Club drug]]
  
* [[Club drug]]
 
* [[Demand reduction]]
  
* [[Demand reduction]]
−
* [[Drug injection]]
 +
* [[Drug abuse]]
−
* [[Drug paraphernalia]]
 +
* [[Drug subculture]]
 
* [[Hard and soft drugs]]
  
* [[Hard and soft drugs]]
  +
* [[Harm reduction]]
 
* [[Intravenous drug use (recreational)]]
  
* [[Intravenous drug use (recreational)]]
  +
* [[Opium den]]
−
* [[List of notable drug culture figures]]
  
−
* [[Opium Wars]]
 +
* [[Party and play]]
 
* [[Prohibition (drugs)]]
  
* [[Prohibition (drugs)]]
 
* [[Psychedelic]]
  
* [[Psychedelic]]
 
* [[Psychoactive drug]]
  
* [[Psychoactive drug]]
 
* [[Responsible drug use]]
  
* [[Responsible drug use]]
−
* [[School district drug policies]]
 +
* [[Spiritual use of cannabis]]
  +
* [[Stoner film]]
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
   
−
<references /><br>
 +
<references />
   
 
* {{cite book
  
* {{cite book
  +
| last = Walton
−  
−
| Last = Walton
  
 
| first =Stuart
  
| first =Stuart
 
| authorlink =
  
| authorlink =
Line 154: Line 238:
 
| title =Out of It: A Cultural History of Intoxication
  
| title =Out of It: A Cultural History of Intoxication
 
| publisher =Penguin Books
  
| publisher =Penguin Books
−
| date =2002
 +
|date=2002
 
| location =
  
| location =
 
| pages =
  
| pages =
 
| url =
  
| url =
 
| doi =
  
| doi =
−
| id = ISBN 0-14-027977-6 }}
 +
| isbn = 0-14-027977-6 }}
   
−
* * [http://www.dukeupress.edu/books.php3?isbn=978-0-8223-3881-9 ''The Cult of Pharmacology: How America Became the World's Most Troubled Drug Culture''] by Richard DeGrandpre, Duke University Press, 2006.
 +
** [http://www.dukeupress.edu/books.php3?isbn=978-0-8223-3881-9 ''The Cult of Pharmacology: How America Became the World's Most Troubled Drug Culture''] by Richard DeGrandpre, Duke University Press, 2006.
 
* [[Dale Pendell]], ''Pharmakodynamis: Stimulating Plants, Potions and Herbcraft: Excitantia and Empathogenica'', San Francisco: Mercury House, 2002.
  
* [[Dale Pendell]], ''Pharmakodynamis: Stimulating Plants, Potions and Herbcraft: Excitantia and Empathogenica'', San Francisco: Mercury House, 2002.
 
* ''Pharmako/Poeia: Plant Powers, Poisons, and Herbcraft'', San Francisco: Mercury House, 1995.
  
* ''Pharmako/Poeia: Plant Powers, Poisons, and Herbcraft'', San Francisco: Mercury House, 1995.
   
 
== External links ==
  
== External links ==
−
* [http://psilly.com/Psilly_Recreational_Narcotics Recreational drug production standards] on [http://psilly.com/ Psilly.com]
  
   
  +
  +
[[Category:Addiction]]
 
[[Category:Drug culture]]
  
[[Category:Drug culture]]
−
[[Category:Moral panics]]
 +
[[category:Drug use]]
  +
[[Category:Alcohol abuse]]
  +
[[Category:Harm reduction]]
  +
[[Category:Medical ethics]]
  +
[[Category:Mental health]]
  +
[[Category:Medical terms]]
  +
  +
   
  +
<!--
−
:de:Droge
  
  +
[[es:Uso de drogas recreativas]]
−
:ms:Dadah rekreasi
  
  +
[[ms:Dadah rekreasi]]
−
:zh:毒品
  
  +
[[ru:Рекреационное использование]]
  +
[[zh:毒品]]
  +
-->
 
{{enWP|Recreational drug use}}
  
{{enWP|Recreational drug use}}

Latest revision as of 18:19, 1 March 2010

Assessment | Biopsychology | Comparative | Cognitive | Developmental | Language | Individual differences | Personality | Philosophy | Social |
Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology |

Clinical: Approaches · Group therapy · Techniques · Types of problem · Areas of specialism · Taxonomies · Therapeutic issues · Modes of delivery · Model translation project · Personal experiences ·

Drugs
Brain animated color nevit

Drug type
Drug usage
Drug abuse
Drug treatment

Recreational drug use is the use of psychoactive drugs for recreational purposes rather than for work, medical or spiritual purposes, although the distinction is not always clear (often spiritual use is considered recreational).

Psychopharmacologist Ronald K. Siegel refers to intoxication as the "fourth drive," arguing that the human instinct to seek mind-altering substances has so much force and persistence that it functions like the human drives for hunger, thirst and shelter.[1]

Distinctions

Responsible drug use

Main article: Responsible drug use

The concept of responsible drug use is that a person can use recreational drugs with reduced or eliminated risk of negatively affecting other parts of one's life or other peoples lives. Advocates of this philosophy point to the many well-known artists and intellectuals who have used drugs, experimentally or otherwise, with few detrimental effects on their lives. Critics argue that the drugs are escapist--and dangerous, unpredictable and sometimes addictive, and have negative and profound effects in geographic areas well beyond the location of the consumer. It should be noted that these criticism can apply to a number of non drug related addictions and behavioral abuse disorders. According to medical literature, responsible drug use only becomes drug abuse when the use of the substance significantly interferes with the user's daily life.

Drugs popularly used for recreation

Most Popular Psychoactives

The drugs most popular for recreational use worldwide are:[2]

Other Psychoactives

Other substances often used (street names in italics):[3][4][5]

Barbiturates, including
Benzodiazepines, including
Nonbenzodiazepines, including
Deliriants, including
Dissociative anaesthetics, including
Opium (Papaver somniferum) and opioids, including
Phenethylamines, including, but not limited to
  • 2C-B, nexus, bees
  • 2C-E
  • 2C-I, substance sometimes sold as mescaline
  • 2C-T-2
  • 2C-T-7
  • DOB
  • DOM
  • DOC, substance sometimes sold on blotter paper as LSD
  • MDMA, ecstasy
  • MDEA
  • MDA
  • Mescaline (found in peyote, peruvian torch, san pedro and other cacti).
  • Nutmeg, the active constituents of such are metabolized by the body into phenethylamine compounds, including PMA

For more information see: PiHKAL.

NOTE: Several stimulant substances are also classified chemically as Phenethylamines, including amphetamines and ephedrine.

Stimulants, including
Indole alkaloids, including, but not limited to

For more information see: TiHKAL.

NOTE: In regards to chemical classification, several psychoactives without effect-based classification also fall into this category including yohimbe and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the active constituent of kratom.

Inhalants, including
Unclassified

Demographics

File:Male Smoking by Country.png

Smoking any tobacco product, %, Males[6] (See the same map for female smokers.)

File:Alcohol consumption per capita world map.PNG

Total recorded alcohol per capita consumption (15+), in litres of pure alcohol[7]

United States

Drug use has increased in all categories since prohibition.[8] Since 1937, 20% to 37% of the youth in the United States have used marijuana. One in four high school seniors has used the drug in the past month; one in ten 8th graders has done so.[9][8] Between 1972 and 1988, the use of cocaine increased more than fivefold.[10] The usage patterns of the current two most prevalent drugs, methamphetamine and ecstasy, have shown similar gains.[8]

Ireland

A study in Ireland found that for teenagers aged 15-19:[11]

  • 86% Drink alcohol (the legal alcohol purchase age and public drinking age is 18.)
    • 51% binge drink (defined as five drinks or more at occasion) at least once a month.
    • 19% Binge drink once a week.
    • On a typical drinking occasion, the average amount of alcoholic beverages consumed is 5.75 pints.
    • The average age for taking a first alcoholic drink is 13½.
  • 50% Have used illegal drugs at least once.
    • 41% Have used cannabis at least once.
    • The average age of first illegal drug use is 14½.

Worldwide

Usage rates around the world:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Siegel, Ronald K (2005). Intoxication: The universal drive for mind-altering substances, vii, Vermont: Park Street Press.
  2. ↑ Lingeman, Drugs from A-Z A Dictionary, Penguin ISBN 0 7139 0136 5
  3. ↑ Lingeman, Drugs from A-Z A Dictionary, Penguin ISBN 0 7139 0136 5
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Erowid.org, Erowid Psychoactive Vaults, http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/psychoactives.shtml
  5. ↑ DEA Drug Database, http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/concern.htm
  6. ↑ WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008
  7. ↑ Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Monitoring The Future
  9. ↑ Charles Whitebread: The History of the Non-Medical Use of Drugs in the United States
  10. ↑ Controlling Cocaine: Supply Versus Demand Programs
  11. ↑ RTÉ News - Half of young people use drink, drugs
  • Walton, Stuart (2002). Out of It: A Cultural History of Intoxication, Penguin Books.

External links


This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.