PSYC62H3 Chapter 2: chapter 2

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A drug originally referred to any substance used in chemistry or medical practice. Any agent used in medicine or any ingredient in medicines. Synonym for a narcotic agent or illicit substance. None of this actually defines what a drug is. It is a chemical that affects one or more biological processes. However, not all chemicals that affect biological processes are considered drugs. Substances that are commonly used for nutritional purposes eg salt, vitamins and minerals etc are generally considered drugs, because they are necessary for carrying out the normal biological functions of the body. Chemicals originating or produced within an organism that are used to carry out the normal bioligcal functions in the body are not usually thought of as drugs= endogenous substances. Biochemists and neuroscientists have isolated a variety of substances found to be important in the function of the body, have extracted or synthesized them, and have administered them in purified form to reverse neurological deficits.