Psychoactive drug
A psychoactive drug or psychotropic substance is a chemical compound that alters brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behaviour. This includes most (if not all) recreational drugs, as well as psychiatric medications and many other prescription drugs. Psychoactive compounds act by affecting the neurotransmission between nerve cells in the brain.
Note: This overview groups together drugs with different effects and modes of action. Several have properties of many categories. Follow the links for more detailed information.
Common psychoactive substances
See also:
Psychedelic, Ibogaine.