This paper discusses five drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin) commonly used for recreation and examines
their
medical effects. The writer describes each drug, its legal status and illustrates its uses as medical agents. The paper explains that the complex interaction of social acceptance, proven benefits as a medical agent, and potential side effects (including
addiction) all played an important role in determining if a specific drug is used as a medical agent in today's health care system.