Types of Abused Drugs

Drug addiction is characterized by a psychological and physical dependence on drugs. People abuse a number of different types of drugs, illegal and legal, and these drugs affect people differently.

Cannabinoids

• Cannabinoids affect areas of the brain called cannabinoid receptors. They cause people to have difficulty concentrating, distorted perceptions, a loss of motor coordination and/or feelings of euphoria. Some commonly used cannabinoids are hashish and marijuana.

Depressants

• Depressants, also known as downers, affect the central nervous system, relaxing nerves and muscles. Many of these drugs cause people to feel drowsy and have a feeling of well-being, a lack of coordination and/or an inability to concentrate. Some commonly-used depressants are alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and GHB.

Dissociative Anesthetics

• Dissociative anesthetics control the amount of glutamate, a chemical that influences the body's perception of pain and environmental responses, in the brain. These drugs can bring feelings of detachment and cause distortion of sights and sounds. Two commonly-used dissociative anesthetics are phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine.

Hallucinogens

• Hallucinogens hinder the interaction between nerve cells and the chemical serotonin, a chemical that influences people's behavior and perception. The drugs can cause hallucinations and mood swings. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline and psilocybin are commonly-used hallucinogens.

Stimulants

• Stimulants, also known as uppers, increase the amount of some chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. These drugs can cause people to feel more alert, physically active, anxious and awake. Some commonly-used stimulants are amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine and nicotine.

Opioids

• Opioids can keep pain messages from reaching the brain by controlling molecular groups called opioid receptors. These drugs can alleviate pain and cause feelings of euphoria, drowsiness and confusion. Some commonly-used opioids are morphine, codeine, opium and heroin.