Types of Drugs
Depressants
Depressants slow down activity of the central nervous system. Depressants are one of the most dangerous classes of drugs because the potential for death from overdose is high.
The most widely used depressant is alcohol. Used worldwide, alcohol leads to health problems, death, lost work productivity, and excessive spending. Because it is a depressant, it can lead to death due to toxicity.
Sedatives are a category of depressant drugs that provide a sense of calmness and sleep. They can create a feeling of stupor similar to alcohol intoxication. Barbiturates are more frequently prescribed as anticonvulsants today. Tranquilizers are prescribed for anxiety and stress. The tranquilizer Rohypnol, or roofies, is odorless and tasteless. It produces sleep and amnesia in heavy doses. We often hear it referred to as the date rape drug because it is used to spike drinks of rape victims.
Opiods or Opiates (narcotics)
Narcotics is a general term referring to drugs derived from opium or chemicals similar to opium. Most opium is acquired from the dried juice of the opium poppy or manufactured as artificial drugs. Opiates generally refer to opium, morphine, codeine, thebaine, and heroin. Synthetic opiods produce the same opiate-like effects. Since these opiods are used for chronic pain, many people inadvertently develop an addiction. The human body produces its own morphine-like substance called endorphins that bind to opium receptors and the brain and act as natural painkillers. Many people develop an addiction to opiods while being treated for chronic pain.
Stimulants or Uppers
Stimulants do just what the name implies – they activate or stimulate the nervous system. They produce heightened feelings of awareness. Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant. Too much caffeine can make people jittery and anxious. Nicotine is the active drug in tobacco. Within eight seconds of inhalation, nicotine reaches the brain. Nicotine primarily creates a feeling of arousal, although some smokers report that smoking calms them down. Nicotine is extremely addictive. Nicotine withdrawal can be as severe as heroin withdrawal.
Cocaine, derived from the cocoa leaf, is an extremely dependence-producing stimulant. When snorted, it causes a rush of euphoria leading to a sense of invulnerability and power. Because the high is very short, people quickly abuse it trying to reach that high again. Cocaine in freebase form is called crack and is typically smoked, which produces a stronger effect, leading to a stronger addiction.
Amphetamines are synthetically produced compounds that operate by depleting a naturally occurring transmitter in the body. Amphetamines were once prescribed as diet pills and to counter depression or ADHD. New research is showing that amphetamines are considered too dangerous to be used for these purposes. Amphetamine users often get into a cycle of use followed by a crash into depression or paranoia. Short-term effects include insomnia, headaches, decreased libido, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term use can lead to depression, paranoia, loss of control over behavior, and in some cases, amphetamine psychosis, a condition marked by hallucinations.
Today, crystal methamphetamine, known as ice, is smoked by users and leads to a more rapid rush that in turn causes a more serious addiction.
Ecstasy (MDMA) is similar chemically to amphetamines. Ecstasy, both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen, is often used at "rave" or dance parties. Ecstasy is sometimes called the "love drug" or "hug drug" because it produces feelings of euphoria, warmth, and connectedness to others. Repeated use of Ecstasy can cause increased depression, slower cognition, and greater impulsivity
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens alter sensory perceptions causing distortions of reality ranging from mild to extreme.
Marijuana, produced from the blossoms and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, alters mood to create a sense of euphoria and change of perception. There is some controversy on whether marijuana is addictive; however, research has shown that with habitual use, people develop cravings.
Lysergic acid diethylamide-25 (LSD)
LSD is a liquid ingested on solid substances such as sugar cubes and used for "trips" that are characterized by altered states of consciousness.
In conclusion, many of the drugs discussed are illegal. The possible penalty for employment and social disclosure is great. They do not come with a safety guarantee as to composition or strength, nor do we know much about the interactive effects of some drugs.
 |
Drag the items on the bottom to their match. |
|
This content requires JavaScript enabled.
|
|
To return to the session, close out this window or tab.
