What term describes substances used to increase the bulk of illegal drugs before sale?

The term that describes substances used to increase the bulk of illegal drugs before they are sold is "adulterants." Adulterants are substances that are added to drugs to increase their quantity, often compromising the purity and potency of the original drug. This practice is prevalent in the illegal drug market, where the goal is to maximize profit by diluting the substance without regard for the effects on users, who may be unaware that they are consuming a mixture.

Adulterants can vary widely and may include inert substances, harmful chemicals, or even other drugs, all of which can alter the effects of the drug and pose significant risks to health. Understanding the role of adulterants is crucial for addiction counselors, as they can affect treatment strategies and inform clients about the dangers associated with illicit drug use.

The other terms relate to different classes of substances or drugs that are not specifically associated with the act of diluting illegal drugs for profit. Analgesics refer to pain-relieving medications, stimulants are substances that increase alertness and energy, and depressants are substances that reduce the nervous system activity. None of these terms encompasses the act of bulking up illegal drugs like adulterants do.