Difference Between Drug and Medicine

Drug and Medicine are often confused as one and the same thing though
there is the difference between the two. A drug is a substance that is often
considered narcotic, hallucinogen or a stimulant. On the other hand, medicine
expresses a preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease.
Although a drug primarily refers to a medicinal substance, its purpose is
different from that of medicine. This highlights that there is a clear difference
between drug and medicine. Through this article let us elaborate on the
difference between drug and medicine.
What is a Drug?
A drug is a substance that is often considered narcotic, hallucinogen or a
stimulant. In short it can be said that a drug is stimulating in nature and
purpose, and it especially causes addiction. It is a normal practice to
administer a drug into the body of a human being. It is also added to a drink
or food.
One of the properties of a drug is stupefaction. It stupefies the mind. Hence,
one who often takes drugs is dubbed as an addict. Thus the word drug
addict refers to a person who is addicted to a narcotic drug on a regular
basis. A drug peddler is a person who sells especially addictive drugs illegally.
The word drug is said to have originated from the old French word drogue.
Being addicted to drugs not only causes impairments and complications in
the human body, but it also creates problems in the social life of the
individual. For instance in many broken families, drug addiction can be seen.
Addiction to a drug can sometimes lead to violence as well. However, an
appropriate dose of drugs can be used in the form of medicine. With this let
us move on to the next word.
What is Medicine?
The word medicine expresses a preparation used for the treatment or
prevention of disease. It is interesting to note that medicine refers to
preparation especially the one taken by the mouth.
In the broader sense, the word medicine would mean the science or practice
of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. It is seen as a practice
quite distinct from surgical methods. Thus a doctor of medicine means a
physician who is adept in treating diseases by administering medicines.
Medicine does not contribute to the factor of addiction, unlike a drug. In other
words, it can be said that a medicine does not cause the stupefaction of the
mind like a drug. The word medicine is derived from the Latin word

medicina. The two words drug and medicine should be used differently.
The difference between the two words can be summarized as follows.

Definitions of Drug and Medicine:

Drug: A drug is a substance that is often considered narcotic, hallucinogen or
a stimulant.
Medicine: The word medicine expresses a preparation used for the
treatment or prevention of disease.

Characteristics of Drug and Medicine:

Stupefaction:
Drug: Drugs can cause stupefaction.
Medicine: Medicine does not cause stupefaction.

Addiction:
Drug: Addiction to drugs can be harmful.
Medicine: Medicine do not cause addiction.

Nature:
Drug: Drugs are substance.
Medicine: Medicine can be broadly understood as the science or practice of
the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.