Chems



Chem (a truncation of chemical) is post-apocalyptic slang for drug. Each chem has a specific effect. Many lower some of a player's stats while increasing others. Abusing chems results in addiction.

A chem is any chemical, medicinal or otherwise, used to affect changes in a person's behavior or biological systems. Various chems are known to exist in the wasteland. Some beneficial and some not. Remember: Always consult your Vault-Tec certified medical professional before consuming any foreign substance. Severe reactions, such as death or addiction, may occur if used improperly. You have been warned. Enjoy your travels!

Drug references in Fallout 3
In the release of Fallout 3 in Australia, the game was banned for including references to real drugs. A report was released by the OFLC on why it banned the game. The following is a part of report that was released:

"The game contains the option to take a variety of "chems" using a device which is connected to the character's arm. Upon selection of the device a menu selection screen is displayed. Upon this screen is a list of "chems" that the player can take, by means of selection. These "chems" have positive effects and some negitave effects (lowering of intelligence, or the character may become addicted to the "chem"). The positive effects include increase in strength, stamina, resistance to damage, agility and hit points.

''Corresponding with the list of various "chems" are small visual representation of the drugs, these include syringes, tablets, pill bottles, a crack-type pipe and blister packs. In the Board's view these realistic visual representations of drugs and their delivery method bring the "science-fiction" drugs in line with "real-world" drugs."''

One of the obvious things the report overlooked was that all the smalls visual representations are that of fictional chemicals that have been apart of the Fallout series before Fallout 3. It also fails to recognize that the "the device" that displays a menu selection is in fact the players inventory which would only include things the player has found and picked up or items that have been purchased. The player having any chems is a personal choice that is non-essential to the main story.

Another of the reasons for the ban was of the opiate painkiller, morphine being one of the chems that would have been available to use by the player. As a result of the ban Bethesda decided to have morphine renamed to Med-X. Evidence this was a last minute change is the fact Med-X's editor ID is still "Morphine" and Med-X addiction's editor ID is "WithdrawalMorphine".