From the Cynic’s Word Book: ‘drug,’ ‘drug culture’

drug  n.

any of various substances believed to have miraculous effects on human health and/or behavior.

drug culture  n.

a capitalist subculture centering on the lucrative sale of powerful drugs. A drug culture includes producers, merchandisers, consumers, and governmental authorities in various roles.
Note: In the United States the drug culture is divided into two main types, one of which is nominally proscribed by law. The second type, known as the pharmaceutical industry, is lightly regulated and regularly subsidized by public funds. Each type of drug culture is characterized by traditions of intimate relations with government; the use of fear and authority to protect distribution networks and increase sales; the cultivation of consumer dependency; and as a result, extremely high profits. Both types of drug culture are thriving and highly influential.