Drug vs. medicine: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Medicine generally refers to drugs used specifically for medical purposes to treat illnesses, whereas drug is a broader term that can also refer to illegal or recreational substances. Drug may carry a negative connotation when associated with substance abuse.
What they have in common
Both drug and medicine refer to substances used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose diseases and affect the structure or function of the body.
Examples
drug
- The doctor prescribed a new drug to help lower blood pressure.
- She was arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
- Some people abuse prescription drugs for recreational purposes.
medicine
- He forgot to take his medicine this morning.
- Advancements in medicine have increased life expectancy.
- Traditional medicine often uses herbs to treat ailments.
Which one is more common?
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