Other Commonly Abused Substances By Gerald F O'Malley, DO, Grand Strand Regional Medical Center; Rika O'Malley, MD, Grand Strand Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Dec 2022 View Patient Education Diuretics Erythropoietin and Darbepoetin Growth Hormone Ipecac Syrup Laxatives More Information Recreational drug use typically involves mind-altering drugs, but it may also involve drugs taken for other purposes, usually losing weight or enhancing athletic performance.