What is the definition of street drugs?

Street drugs are defined as substances that are illegally manufactured and sold in illicit markets. This definition captures the essence of what makes street drugs distinct from other categories of drugs. These substances are often produced in unregulated environments, lacking any oversight in terms of quality, dosage, or safety, which contributes to their classification as illegal.

The illicit nature of these drugs often means that they are not only unregulated but can also be highly dangerous, as users may not be fully aware of what they are consuming or the potential risks involved. Knowing that street drugs can include various types of narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens helps highlight the array of substances that fall into this category, emphasizing their legal and safety implications.

Contrarily, prescription medications without a prescription, over-the-counter drugs misused, and natural herbs used for medicinal purposes do not fit the definition of street drugs as they may have legal and therapeutic applications or are available through legitimate channels. Understanding this distinction is vital in the context of addiction and substance use disorders, as it aids professionals in developing appropriate treatment and intervention strategies.