Drugs are commonly classified according to the physiological effect they have. Categories include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics, and inhalants. Two other types are also important. First, designer drugs are manufactured to mimic the effects of drugs found in the previously mentioned categories. Designer drugs usually are not illegal because their chemical formula has been altered from the original drug. The other drug, marijuana, is difficult to classify but is usually included as a hallucinogen. Depending on the dose, marijuana can mimic a variety of substances found in other categories. The following is a list of drug categories and the effects they have on the body:
Stimulants: Stimulants speed up the central nervous system, producing an increase in alertness and excitability. Examples include amphetamines, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, and drugs such as Ritalin and phentermine (Ionamin).
Depressants: Also known as sedatives and tranquilizers, depressants slow down the central nervous system, causing an individual to feel relaxed. Examples of the depressant drugs are barbiturates, methaqualone (Quaaludes or “quad”), and tranquilizers, such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCI (Librium), and meprobamate (Miltown).
Psychoactives: Psychoactives can alter feelings, moods, and/or perceptions. Marijuana is classified as a psychoactive drug but can exhibit effects similar to those of stimulants, depressants, and narcotics. Some examples of psychoactive drugs include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, peyote, phencyclidine (PCP), and psilocybin.
Narcotics: Narcotics are powerful painkillers. They also produce pleasurable feelings and induce sleep. The narcotic drugs include codeine, heroin, methadone, morphine, opium, and substances such as oxycodone (Percodan), propoxyphene (Darvon), pentazocine (Talwin), and difenoxin (Lomotil).
Inhalants: Inhalants are volatile non drugs that cause drug like effects if inhaled. Examples include glue and gasoline. Some, such as nitrous oxide and amyl nitrate, have medical uses.
Designer drugs: Designer
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