A thorough examination of legal drugs and the pharmacological principles that determine effects, both desired and damaging. Explores the idea that any substance can be a therapeutic drug, a psychoactive drug, or a poison, depending on the dose or interactions with other drugs. By visualizing the concepts of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, dose-response curve, threshold dose, therapeutic index, tolerance, tissue dependence, withdrawal, and especially addiction, the dangers of misuse of specific drugs can be studied.

This program focuses on legal psychoactive drugs, particularly analgesic medications, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, and the difficulties when trying to control pain with drugs. It also recognizes the problems with over-the-counter drugs, including muscle relaxants, cold and cough remedies, diet pills, and herbal supplements and medications. Finally suggests precautions that can facilitate the safe use of these drugs.