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{{ | {{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|UNSC|HCW|Post}} | ||
In the broadest sense, '''drugs''' are substances other than foods that are consumed in some fashion for the purpose of causing physiological changes in the body. '''Pharmaceutical drugs''' or '''medicines''' are those substances that are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Various intelligent species and civilizations of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy have developed and used drugs for millennia. | In the broadest sense, '''drugs''' are substances other than foods that are consumed in some fashion for the purpose of causing physiological changes in the body. '''Pharmaceutical drugs''' or '''medicines''' are those substances that are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Various intelligent species and civilizations of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy have developed and used drugs for millennia. | ||
==Covenant Empire and its [[Covenant Remnants|remnants]]== | ==Covenant Empire and its [[Covenant Remnants|remnants]]== | ||
[[File:Sedramallattack.png|thumb|300px|A newly-created element sourced from Alpha Halo is dispersed in the form of radiation during a terrorist attack in [[Sedra City]].]] | [[File:Sedramallattack.png|thumb|right|300px|A newly-created element sourced from Alpha Halo is dispersed in the form of radiation during a terrorist attack in [[Sedra City]].]] | ||
As a hegemony of multiple client species, not all drugs found in the [[Covenant]] can necessarily be traced to only a single one. These formulations were used widely amongst the citizens of the empire, and some continue to evade firm classification in the post-war era. One of the most easily recognizable examples of a shared drug formulation was the [[sealant mesh]], a thin sheet of bronze-colored material that, when properly affixed, formed a partial seal over wounds.<ref name="ch258">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 258''</ref> The most important part of this mesh was a coagulant that would attenuate clotting of the blood. Sealant meshes were staples found in every [[portable aid station]], but were considered a short-term option at best.{{Ref/Reuse|ch258}} | As a hegemony of multiple client species, not all drugs found in the [[Covenant]] can necessarily be traced to only a single one. These formulations were used widely amongst the citizens of the empire, and some continue to evade firm classification in the post-war era. One of the most easily recognizable examples of a shared drug formulation was the [[sealant mesh]], a thin sheet of bronze-colored material that, when properly affixed, formed a partial seal over wounds.<ref name="ch258">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 258''</ref> The most important part of this mesh was a coagulant that would attenuate clotting of the blood. Sealant meshes were staples found in every [[portable aid station]], but were considered a short-term option at best.{{Ref/Reuse|ch258}} | ||
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==Forerunners== | ==Forerunners== | ||
{{Quote|no=three|q1=Apply the electrolytes.|Ancilla|q2=To his mouth?|[[Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]]|q3=Push through the lips. Dehydration will be reversed. Rigor will be suspended.|Ancilla|An ancilla attached to the [[Didact]]'s cryptum instructs Bornstellar on how to revive its former occupant.}} | {{Quote|no=three|q1=Apply the electrolytes.|Ancilla|q2=To his mouth?|[[Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]]|q3=Push through the lips. Dehydration will be reversed. Rigor will be suspended.|Ancilla|An ancilla attached to the [[Didact]]'s cryptum instructs Bornstellar on how to revive its former occupant.}} | ||
In Forerunner society, it was the [[Lifeworker]] [[rate]] that specialized in medicine's research, production, and use. | In Forerunner society, it was the [[Lifeworker]] [[rate]] that specialized in medicine's research, production, and use.<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''': ''[[Halo: Cryptum/Glossary|Halo: Cryptum Glossary]]''</ref> Lifeworkers also employed specific [[Huragok]] designed specifically for medical purposes.<ref name="hll122">'''Halo: Last Light''', Chapter 10, ''page 122'' (Google Play edition)</ref> These Huragok were able to treat injured or diseased Forerunners and other species partly through the administration of chemical compounds they produced endogenously. Technological advancement allowed Lifeworkers to efficiently produce drugs through the use of synthesizers. This technology was later adapted for use by the [[Covenant]] in the form of its own [[herbal synthesizer]]s, a technology which principally benefited [[ascetic]] [[San'Shyuum]] [[cleric]]s, and which they also closely guarded.<ref name="ch143">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 143-144''</ref> Though this marvel of theirs would not be discovered and appropriated by the [[San'Shyuum]] for many years to come, some Forerunners were happy to indulge in a San'Shyuum creation when they two species were contemporaries: [[kasna]]. This alcoholic beverage was a greenish color and had a pungent, sweet and sour odor.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 181''</ref> Originating purely out of Forerunner ingenuity, on the other hand, was the chemical known as [[inchukoa]]. Inchukoa was used to purge an individual of most of their fluids before that individual entered a state of [[xankara]] inside a [[cryptum]].<ref name="s50">'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 50-55''</ref> The inchukoa would be ingested and diaphoresis would commence quickly. The Forerunner affected would become noticably dessicated and soon lapse into an unconscious state before being placed in the cryptum by others.{{Ref/Reuse|s50}} When the time finally came for the Forerunner to awaken, pharmaceutical drugs played a key role as well. An initial dose of essential nutrients, electrolytes, and other substances would be administered before simply placing them in a restorative bath rich with more chemicals. This process usually required several days, as the drugs worked to restore the body's muscle mass. These life-giving chemicals, appearing as three distinct colors (red, blue, and silver) also were commonly provided by Forerunners' personal armor, allowing them to live for years without any other sustenance. | ||
==Humans== | ==Humans== | ||
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==Sangheili== | ==Sangheili== | ||
[[File:Healingwater.png|thumb|250px|"Healing water" flows throughout a temple on [[Sanghelios]].]] | [[File:Healingwater.png|thumb|right|250px|"Healing water" flows throughout a temple on [[Sanghelios]].]] | ||
Doctors are rare among [[Sangheili]] due to the widespread aversion to surgery in the species' cultures.<ref name="Cole Protocol">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> However, the stigma against the cutting of flesh outside of battle has not kept them from using medicinal substances. Sangheili have drugs that are used not only for healing, but also for memory improvement and for dealing with anxiety.<ref name="anvil">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anvil-s-legacy-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Anvil's Legacy Preview'']</ref> It is common to find all of these varieties of medications in temples built for [[kaidon]]s, which traditionally have been visited by them prior to planning a military campaign. In such hallowed places, all manner of compounds are dispersed throughout flowing water, which has led to the label, "healing water".{{Ref/Reuse|anvil}} Included among these are nootropics, which naturally would be very useful for kaidons making plans for war. Anti-anxiety medications in the water, interestingly, take the form of micro-biotic organisms that evidently can produce this effect in Sangheili. The species also has a penchant for alcoholic beverages, including those produced by humans;<ref name="HE5">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue #5]]''</ref> but draughts can be found on Sanghelios as well. In the previously-mentioned temples, these may be laced with specific herbs.{{Ref/Reuse|anvil}} In addition to substances for healing, Sangheili also employ those that are designed to harm. The radioactive ammunition fired by [[ | Doctors are rare among [[Sangheili]] due to the widespread aversion to surgery in the species' cultures.<ref name="Cole Protocol">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> However, the stigma against the cutting of flesh outside of battle has not kept them from using medicinal substances. Sangheili have drugs that are used not only for healing, but also for memory improvement and for dealing with anxiety.<ref name="anvil">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anvil-s-legacy-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Anvil's Legacy Preview'']</ref> It is common to find all of these varieties of medications in temples built for [[kaidon]]s, which traditionally have been visited by them prior to planning a military campaign. In such hallowed places, all manner of compounds are dispersed throughout flowing water, which has led to the label, "healing water".{{Ref/Reuse|anvil}} Included among these are nootropics, which naturally would be very useful for kaidons making plans for war. Anti-anxiety medications in the water, interestingly, take the form of micro-biotic organisms that evidently can produce this effect in Sangheili. The species also has a penchant for alcoholic beverages, including those produced by humans;<ref name="HE5">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 5|Issue #5]]''</ref> but draughts can be found on Sanghelios as well. In the previously-mentioned temples, these may be laced with specific herbs.{{Ref/Reuse|anvil}} In addition to substances for healing, Sangheili also employ those that are designed to harm. The radioactive ammunition fired by [[Type-51 carbine|Type-51]] and [[Type-57 carbine]]s is in large part actually a compound mined from a moon and several other locations in the [[Urs system|Urs–Fied–Joori system]]. This toxic substance is released into a victim's bloodstream after the round it was previously encased in shatters. If the one being shot doesn't die immediately, chances are high that they will succumb soon thanks to the toxin. If they hope to live, medical care must be applied right away and they should be monitored for some time afterward.<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 38''</ref> In order to prevent infections, Sangheili have used antibiotic microscopic nanoagents for thousands of years. | ||
==San'Shyuum== | ==San'Shyuum== | ||
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Unggoy are best known for being particularly fond of recreational drug use in general. Their portable methane tanks are often also filled with what they refer to as [[infusion]]s, which are narcotics.<ref name="ttw186">'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''pages 186-187''</ref><ref name="CH">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 150-151''</ref> These infusions can be consumed this way through the same breathing apparatus that they use to supply methane in inhospitable atmospheres. Unggoy have been known to make remarks about "the gas" as a psychoactive substance, which likely refers to the same mind-altering infusions which can be inhaled when in that dosage form.<ref name="halo">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> More often, however, Unggoy will simply imbibe the compounds through a tube, similarly to the nutritious paste that they receive through [[food nipple]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 222''</ref> The organic chemical compound, [[Wikipedia:Benzene|benzene]], is also treated as a recreational drug by Unggoy. It is possible that the aforementioned infusions and gas may sometimes include benzene, if not always and exclusively. Benzene mostly exists as a liquid, but it evidently is typically used by Unggoy when in a gaseous form, as it has been called "lovely lung gold". Benzene is highly toxic to humans; inhalation of trace amounts or drinking it can cause [[cancer]]. For Unggoy, however, it seems at least relatively tolerable. It has even been labeled "a sacred aromatic", by Unggoy in the [[Covenant]], which points to it having religious connotations, perhaps due to its ring-like shape.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 237''</ref> | Unggoy are best known for being particularly fond of recreational drug use in general. Their portable methane tanks are often also filled with what they refer to as [[infusion]]s, which are narcotics.<ref name="ttw186">'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''pages 186-187''</ref><ref name="CH">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 150-151''</ref> These infusions can be consumed this way through the same breathing apparatus that they use to supply methane in inhospitable atmospheres. Unggoy have been known to make remarks about "the gas" as a psychoactive substance, which likely refers to the same mind-altering infusions which can be inhaled when in that dosage form.<ref name="halo">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> More often, however, Unggoy will simply imbibe the compounds through a tube, similarly to the nutritious paste that they receive through [[food nipple]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 222''</ref> The organic chemical compound, [[Wikipedia:Benzene|benzene]], is also treated as a recreational drug by Unggoy. It is possible that the aforementioned infusions and gas may sometimes include benzene, if not always and exclusively. Benzene mostly exists as a liquid, but it evidently is typically used by Unggoy when in a gaseous form, as it has been called "lovely lung gold". Benzene is highly toxic to humans; inhalation of trace amounts or drinking it can cause [[cancer]]. For Unggoy, however, it seems at least relatively tolerable. It has even been labeled "a sacred aromatic", by Unggoy in the [[Covenant]], which points to it having religious connotations, perhaps due to its ring-like shape.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 237''</ref> | ||
While knowledge of drugs used by Unggoy predominantly concerns those used for euphoria and disinhibition, Unggoy are known to be reliant on many other medications for all aspects of their health as well. In the years following the wake of the [[Great Schism]] and the dissolution of the Covenant, poor living conditions on [[Balaho]] only got worse, since the major chain of supply evaporated almost overnight. This environment made the planet eager and willing to pledge loyalty to the [[Created]] when [[Cortana]] broadcast promises of health, prosperity, and repletion. Soon after, ships appeared in the skies, bringing not only food, but medicine and other much-needed things as well.<ref name="driving">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/ | While knowledge of drugs used by Unggoy predominantly concerns those used for euphoria and disinhibition, Unggoy are known to be reliant on many other medications for all aspects of their health as well. In the years following the wake of the [[Great Schism]] and the dissolution of the Covenant, poor living conditions on [[Balaho]] only got worse, since the major chain of supply evaporated almost overnight. This environment made the planet eager and willing to pledge loyalty to the [[Created]] when [[Cortana]] broadcast promises of health, prosperity, and repletion. Soon after, ships appeared in the skies, bringing not only food, but medicine and other much-needed things as well.<ref name="driving">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-driving-force '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Driving Force'']</ref> | ||
==List of appearances== | ==List of appearances== |