CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS

Types of Recreational Drugs Researchers usually classify drugs into anywhere from four to six categories: Stimulants Depressants (Sedatives) Hallucinogens Narcotics Inhalants Cannabis

Stimulants Drugs that stimulate the nervous system Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects Stimulants Nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, crystal meth Increased alertness and energy, excitation, euphoria, confidence Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, sleeplessness, paranoia, increased aggressiveness, feelings of panic

Depressants Also called sedatives; drugs that slow down the central nervous system Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects Depressants Alcohol, Valium, Xanax, barbiturates Euphoria, relaxation, less anxiety Impaired coordination, depression, lethargy, drowsiness, mood swings

Hallucinogens Drugs that cause sensory and perceptual distortions Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects Hallucinogens LSD, mescaline, psilocybin Euphoria, changed perception, hallucinations, insightful moments Nausea, paranoia, anxiety, feelings of panic, mood swings, impaired judgment, jumbled thoughts

Narcotics Also called opiates; drugs that can relieve pain Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects Narcotics Morphine, heroin, opium, codeine, hydrocodone Euphoria, relaxation, less anxiety, less sensitivity to pain Lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, impaired coordination, constipation

Inhalants Drugs that are breathed into the lungs Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects Inhalants cleaning solutions, nail polish removers, gasoline, room fresheners, glue, and ether Euphoria, changed perception Impaired brain functioning

Cannabis Drugs derived from the cannabis plant; have features of more than one of the other drugs types Drug TypeExamplesEffectsNegative effects CannabisMarijuana, hashish Euphoria, relaxation, increased awareness, changed perception Sluggishness, anxiety, impaired memory