How would a labelling theorist define drugs?

A labelling theorist would define drugs not strictly by their chemical composition or their effects, but by the social reactions and labels attached to them. According to labelling theory, drugs are substances that society has deemed deviant, dangerous, or unacceptable. The use of these substances is often stigmatized and criminalized, leading to negative consequences for users. This perspective emphasizes that the definitions of drugs are socially constructed and can change over time and across different cultures. For example, a substance considered a dangerous drug in one society might be accepted or even revered in another.