Terminology and Information on Drugs

PREFACE

The UNODC publication Terminology and Information on Drugs introduces basic concepts and materials on substances under international control, which are most frequently manufactured or processed and/or abused, as well as definitions of scientific terms used in this context. The current revision of this publication is being prepared as a response to changes in drug markets and scheduling decisions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in recent years.

The publication is neither exhaustive, nor meant to replace more comprehensive textbooks on drugs of abuse. It seeks to collate basic concepts and information on drugs of abuse, their corresponding abuse patterns, pharmacological effects and potential medical use, and act as an accessible and user-friendly resource. The format of this publication is kept simple to allow for brevity. Comments and suggestions for improving content and/or format of this publication by readers are welcome.