Final answer:
Illegal drugs are substances prohibited by law, while controlled substances are regulated by the government and may have legitimate uses if prescribed at safe dosages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Illegal drugs are substances that are prohibited by law because of their potential for abuse and harm to individuals and society. They have not been approved for medical use by the FDA. On the other hand, controlled substances refer to drugs that are regulated by the government. They may have legitimate uses if prescribed by a healthcare professional at safe dosages.
For example, heroin is an illegal drug that is highly addictive and has no approved medical use. In contrast, OxyContin is a controlled substance that can be prescribed for pain relief when used appropriately.
It is important to note that not all controlled substances are man-made. Natural substances like marijuana can also be classified as controlled substances.
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