A recreational drug is defined as “any controlled substance used to alter the state of mind or for non-medical purposes, without the authorization or supervision of a physician » (Recreational drug). Recreational drugs include both illegal and legal substances, some of which are extremely prevalent in the United States. Caffeine is the most popular recreational drug in the world. Nearly “80 to 90 percent of American adults consume caffeine every day” (caffeine addiction). Other popular recreational drugs include nicotine (found in cigarettes), alcohol (found in beer, cocktails, wine, etc.), and cannabis (i.e. marijuana or weed) (recreational drug use). These three drugs are found all over the world and used by a wide variety of cultures. Some of the other recreational drugs used less often include amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, barbituitates, heroin, LSD, opium, mushrooms and solvents (Top 10 most popular). All recreational drugs cause mood changes, but the law does not consider all of them potent enough to prohibit them. Alcohol and nicotine are among the most popular recreational drugs in the world. These drugs both have addictive properties but are legalized. “Nicotine was first isolated from the tobacco plant in 1828 by German chemists Posselt & Reimann” (Nicotine). Today, nicotine is most commonly found in cigarettes which can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets throughout the United States. Each year, a significantly high number of deaths are due to smoking and second-hand smoke-related causes. Laws currently state that in most states, anyone 18 years or older can obtain cigarettes and other nicotine products. Nicotine users report that use gives them a feeling of calm and relief...... middle of paper ......y Lexicon. Dictionary.com, LLC. August 8, 2014. “Recreational drug use.” Academic children. Internet. August 8, 2010. http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/r/re/recreational_drug_use.html#Popular Recreational Drugs. “Short-term effects of alcohol”. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. August 1, 2010. The web. August 9, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-term_effects_of_alcohol. “The pros and cons of drug legalization. » Freelance Writing - Internet Article Marketing - Publish Articles Online - EduBook. June 6, 2009. the web. August 12, 2014. "Top 10 Most Popular Recreational Drugs - Top 10 Lists | Listverse." Top 10 Lists - Listverse. August 12, 2009. The web. August 7, 2014. http://listverse.com/2009/08/12/top-10-most-popular-recreational-drugs/.