Illegal Drugs
Jaylen Wycoff
Narcotics
Drugs that can reduce pain, induce a state of sedation or cause unconsciousness. These drugs are sometimes known as opioids because they act on the opioid receptors in your brain. Prescription drugs like codeine and oxycodone are classified as narcotics, as are street drugs like heroin.
Depressants
- Drugs that suppress the activity of the brain and nerves, acting directly on the central nervous system to create a sedative effect. This category includes barbiturates, benzodiazepines, alcohol and marijuana. Depressants are taken to relieve anxiety, promote sleep and to create a sense of overall well-being.
Stimulants
Drugs that accelerate the activity of the central nervous system. Stimulants can make you feel energetic, focused and alert. This class of drugs can also make you feel edgy, angry or paranoid. In a clinical setting, methamphetamine and other drugs from this class are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity or narcolepsy. According to a recent United Nations Report, amphetamine-type stimulants like Ecstasy and methamphetamine's are the most commonly abused drugs around the world, after marijuana.
Hallucinogens
Also known as psychedelics, these drugs act on the central nervous system to alter your thoughts and perceptions. Hallucinogens may cause you to hear or see things that don’t exist or imagine situations that aren’t real. Hallucinogenic drugs may include psylocibin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, mescaline or Ecstasy.
anabolic steroids
A synthetic steroid hormone that resembles testosterone in promoting the growth of muscle. Such hormones are used medicinally to treat some forms of weight loss and (illegally) by some athletes and others to enhance physical performance.