Rapid Responses to:

NEWS: New recreational drug has its first casualty in UK BMJ 2007; 334: 927-a [Full text]

Rapid Responses: Submit a response to this article

Rapid Responses published:

What are recreational drugs?

Hugh Mann   (18 May 2007)

What are recreational drugs? 18 May 2007
Hugh Mann, physician Eagle Rock, MO 65641 USA Send response to journal: Re: What are recreational drugs?	Recreational drugs is a loose term that refers to legal and illegal drugs that are used without medical supervision. There are four different categories of recreational drugs: analgesics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Analgesics include heroin, morphine, and the synthetic opioids. Depressants include alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers. Stimulants include cocaine and methamphetamine. Hallucinogens include LSD, peyote (mescaline), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and marijuana. Recreational drugs is a bad term. It suggests that drugs can be fun and safe. Nothing could be further from the truth. All drugs are nightmarish and dangerous. They alter our perception of reality and diminish our ability to reason, both of which endanger us. Drugs create psychological and physical dependence, both of which enslave us. Recreation is a legitimate need that requires legitimate activities, such as hobbies, exercise, conversation, music, dance, art, and literature. Competing interests: None declared