What is the primary characteristic of a recreational drug?

The primary characteristic of a recreational drug is that it has no medical purpose or is used improperly. Recreational drugs are substances that individuals consume primarily for their psychoactive effects, which often lead to alterations in mood, consciousness, or perception. These substances are typically used in social settings or for personal pleasure rather than for medical treatment or to promote health.

The term "recreational" indicates that the primary intent of use is for enjoyment or leisure, as opposed to therapeutic benefits where a drug is specifically prescribed to treat a medical condition. Recreational drugs can be legal, such as alcohol and marijuana in certain jurisdictions, or illegal, depending on local laws. This distinction emphasizes that their usage often strays from the guidelines intended for medically approved drugs, thereby categorizing them as lacking legitimate medical purpose in their recreational context.