What is the term for the ingestion of drugs from two or more categories?

The correct term for the ingestion of drugs from two or more categories is polydrug use. This term specifically refers to the practice of consuming multiple types of drugs, which can include combinations of legal and illegal substances, prescription medications, or different classes of drugs. Polydrug use is significant in the field of drug recognition and may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of individuals, as the interaction between various drugs can produce unexpected effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

In contrast, mono-drug use refers to the use of a single type of drug, while dual-drug and multi-drug use may imply combinations but lack the specific recognition in the terminology that polydrug use provides. Polydrug use often raises unique challenges for law enforcement, health care providers, and addiction specialists, highlighting its importance in understanding drug-related behaviors and their effects.