Abstract
Addictive substances have been with mankind from time immemorial, and their consumption and popularity has been increasing worldwide. The review article presents their classification and the major groups of psychotropic compounds are discussed from a pharmaceutical-chemical perspective.
The study of relationships between the structure and biological effects in the group of plant, endogenous, and synthetic cannabinoids and/or other compounds affecting the cannabinoid system in the brain is an important source of both new medications and molecules that can be abused. The group of amphetamines, tryptamines, and other addictive substances is presented in a similar way.
Selected chemical structures are also mentioned. The aim of this paper is not and cannot be a complete overview of all addictive substances of natural and synthetic origin; pharmacists and other health care professionals are fairly familiar with most of them.
In particular, the reader should obtain information on the current situation in the group of addictive substances.