What substances are considered narcotic drugs?

The term ‘drugs’ is not restricted to illegal substances such as hashish, heroin, cocaine or Ecstasy. It also includes substances which are legal to use. Thus, while alcohol and tobacco are both completely legal for adults to us, and an integral part of everyday life, their abuse can lead to serious addiction and health problems. The misuse of tranquillizers and anti-depressants can also result in addiction. While inhalable substance like aerosols, glues, petrol and butane gas may seem a long way from what we generally think of as ‘drugs’, they are still addictive.