List of the most common types of drugs used by addicts
Drug abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a complex issue that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. In this article, you will find about the most common types of drugs. Substance or Drug abuse can take many forms, from prescription drugs to illegal substances. The effects of drug abuse can be devastating and can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. Before we move to the article, Here I list 7 important reasons why quitting drugs is difficult, so you can understand the challenges and hurdles that one may face when trying to quit drug addiction.
The most common types of drugs
There are many different types of drugs, but some of the most common ones include:
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Opioids
- Inhalants
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, which can lead to feelings of euphoria, as a result, individuals feel increased alertness, increased energy, and increased attention. Several types of stimulants are there, however, the most common types of drugs in this category include caffeine, cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Caffeine
It is one of the most common types of drugs, usually found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant, It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. It can produce a range of positive effects, such as increased alertness, improved concentration, and enhanced physical performance. Caffeine addiction is also possible, with symptoms including withdrawal headaches and fatigue when caffeine consumption is stopped abruptly.
Amphetamines
These drugs are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and can also be used recreationally. Examples include Adderall and Dexedrine.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
It is classified as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Its chemical structure is similar to both amphetamines (stimulants) and mescaline (a hallucinogen). Ecstasy also known as MDMA, is a type of synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It is often consumed in tablet or capsule form and is commonly associated with the club and rave scene. This drug produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and empathy toward others, making it a popular drug for social situations. However, the drug can also have harmful side effects, including dehydration, hyperthermia, and even death in some cases.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that works by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain. The increased dopamine levels can lead to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. Instead, it excites the brain and body, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The effects of cocaine are typically short-lived and can be followed by a “crash” characterized by fatigue, irritability, and depression. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and seizures, with long-term use.
Methamphetamine
Known as crystal meth, methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can produce intense feelings of euphoria and increased energy. It is illegal and highly dangerous and can lead to serious health problems as well as addiction.
As we already learned about the most common types of drugs in the stimulants category, please note that they can be dangerous when abused, leading to addiction, heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health issues. It’s recommended to use them only as directed by a healthcare professional and to avoid recreational use.
Depressants
Depressants are a class of drugs that slow down the activity in the central nervous system, opposite to stimulants. They work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits and slows down brain activity. As a result, individuals feel relaxation, drowsiness, and decreased heart rate and breathing. Examples of depressants include alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used depressants, as people generally think that alcohol can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but originally it leads to impaired judgment, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Which results in serious health problems, addiction, and even death.
Barbiturates
These drugs were commonly used as sedatives and sleep aids, but are now less commonly used due to their potential for abuse and addiction. Examples include phenobarbital and secobarbital.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are the type of depressants commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and can also be used as muscle relaxants. They are highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems if misused. Examples include Valium and Xanax.
Cannabis – The most commonly used drug
This drug comes from the cannabis plant and can produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception. THC, which is present in cannabis, is a psychoactive compound that causes relaxation effects. Cannabis is a complex drug that can have varying effects on different individuals. In general, cannabis is considered to have depressant effects on the central nervous system. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can lead to feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and decreased anxiety.
While cannabis is generally considered a depressant, it can also have some stimulant effects on certain individuals. For example, some people may experience increased heart rate, energy, and alertness after using cannabis. However, these effects tend to be less common and less pronounced than the depressant effects.
Hallucinogens
These are a type of psychoactive drugs, known as psychedelics or dissociatives. Hallucinogens work by affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. They can cause changes in the way the brain processes sensory information, leading to altered perceptions of reality. Drugs of this category can alter an individual’s perception, mood, and cognitive or thought processes, which often result in hallucinations, changes in sensory perception, and altered states of consciousness. Examples include LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote.
Magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of fungus that contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which can cause hallucinations, altered perception of reality, and changes in mood and thought processes. Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and religious practices, but are illegal in many countries due to their psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.
DMT
DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful hallucinogenic compound found in certain plants and animals, as well as in synthetic form. When smoked or ingested, DMT can cause intense visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and a feeling of being separated from the body. It is illegal in most countries due to its potent psychoactive effects and potential for abuse.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is used for medical purposes to induce anesthesia and treat pain. At lower doses, it can also cause hallucinations, altered perception of reality, and dissociative states. Ketamine has become a popular recreational drug due to its dissociative effects and is often used in “club” or party settings. It can be dangerous, and high doses can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and other serious health problems. This drug is illegal in most countries without a prescription.
These drugs are often illegal and can have serious physical and psychological side effects, including flashbacks, psychosis, and long-term changes in mood and cognition. They should only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical professional for specific therapeutic purposes.
Opioids
Opioids are derived from opium and are used to relieve pain. They can also produce a feeling of euphoria and can be highly addictive. While opioids are typically classified as analgesics or painkillers, they can also depress the central nervous system. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can produce feelings of pain relief and euphoria. However, they are highly addictive and can lead to serious health problems, overdose can lead to death. Examples include.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that is derived from the poppy plant. It is also one of the most common types of drugs, typically sold as a white or brownish powder, but it can also come in a black, sticky form known as “black tar” heroin. Heroin is usually injected, snorted, or smoked, and it produces a rapid and intense high that can lead to addiction after just a few uses. The drug works by binding to receptors in the brain that control pain and pleasure, which can cause users to feel a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, heroin can also cause a range of negative effects, including slowed breathing, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Prolonged use of heroin can lead to a range of long-term health problems, including liver and kidney disease, infections, and mental health issues.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain. However, it is also sold illicitly as a street drug and has become a significant contributor to the opioid crisis in many countries. The drug is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, which can increase the risk of overdose. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it a highly dangerous drug to use without medical supervision. Even a small amount of fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, leading to overdose and death.
Oxycodone (Prescription Painkiller)
Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid painkiller that is used to manage moderate to severe pain. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations and is often prescribed to individuals who are recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic pain. Oxycodone works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord that control pain, producing a sense of euphoria and relaxation. However, it can also cause a range of negative side effects, including drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. Oxycodone has a high potential for abuse and addiction, and prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Inhalants
These are chemicals that are inhaled to produce a high and can include products like glue, paint thinner, and gasoline.
Glue
Some types of glue, such as model glue, contain chemicals like toluene that can produce a high when inhaled.
Paint thinner
Paint thinner contains solvents like acetone and benzene that can cause a high when inhaled.
Aerosol sprays
Products like hairspray, spray paint, and computer duster sprays contain chemicals like butane and propane that can produce a high when inhaled.
Nitrous oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a common inhalant used in medical and dental settings but can also be abused for its euphoric effects.
Gasoline
Gasoline contains a range of chemicals like benzene and toluene that can produce a high when inhaled.
Conclusion
Many of these drugs can have negative health effects and can be addictive, and their use can lead to serious consequences such as addiction, overdose, and other health problems. If you or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction, it is important to seek help from a trained professional. A psychologist can offer support, guidance, and practical strategies to help you or your loved one overcome the challenges of addiction. Please feel free to check Addiction Management services, Self-care services, and don’t hesitate to talk to a psychologist directly here, who can help and support you every step of the way.