Psychoactive drugs are substances that change the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves. They can be used for medicinal or recreational purposes and can be addictive. Some of the most common psychoactive drugs include marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and amphetamines.
Psychoactive substances can be both helpful and harmful. Therefore when used correctly, they can help treat conditions like pain, anxiety, and depression. However, when abused they can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with psychoactive drug abuse, please seek help from a professional.
What are Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs are substances that act on the central nervous system (CNS) to change mood, perception, or consciousness. In addition, psychoactive substances can be divided into three broad categories: depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
Depressants
Depressants, also called sedatives, slow down the activity of the CNS and produce feelings of relaxation and calmness. Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines are examples of depressants. Depressants can cause drowsiness, confusion, slowed thinking and reaction time, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and poor judgment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity of the CNS and can cause feelings of wakefulness, alertness, and energy. They can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and irritability. Amphetamines, cocaine, and caffeine are examples of stimulants.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens change the way a person perceives reality and can cause hallucinations, mood changes or false perceptions. LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and psilocybin (mushrooms) are examples of hallucinogens. Psychoactive drugs can be addictive and can lead to dependence. Treatment for drug addiction typically includes counseling and behavioral therapies.
Psychoactive substances have been used by humans for millennia, and their use is reflected in many cultures across the world. In addition, psychoactive drugs have both positive and negative effects, and there is a great deal of debate surrounding their use. For instance, some people argue that psychoactive drugs should be illegal, while others believe that they can have positive uses. Illicit drug use is a complex and controversial issue, and it is important to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding on whether or not to use them.
Most Common Psychoactive Drugs
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- LSD
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Methamphetamines
- Inhalants (solvents, gases)
A psychoactive substance alters a person’s mental state or mood. Alcohol and cigarettes are examples of legal narcotics, whereas marijuana and heroin are examples of illicit narcotics. Therefore, some psychoactive drugs, like caffeine and LSD, are not considered addictive but can still have powerful effects on the brain.
Most Dangerous Psychoactive Drugs
These substances can be illicit drugs, prescription medications, or legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. Some psychoactive drugs are considered more dangerous than others due to their potential for addiction and abuse. Here are some of the most dangerous psychoactive drugs:
Alcohol:
Alcohol is a legal psychoactive substance, but it is also one of the most dangerous. This substance abuse can lead to liver damage, cancer, and other health problems. It is also a leading cause of car accidents and fatalities.
Cocaine:
Cocaine is a powerful illicit drug that can have devastating effects on the user’s health. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, and seizure.
Methamphetamine:
Methamphetamine is a dangerous illicit stimulant drug that can lead to psychosis, brain damage, and death.
Heroin:
Heroin is an illicit opioid drug that is extremely addictive and dangerous. Injectable drug abuse can lead to overdose and death.
Prescription opioids:
Prescription opioids are a type of pain medication that can be addictive and dangerous. Opioid abuse can lead to overdose and death.
Tobacco:
Tobacco is a legal psychoactive substance, but it is also one of the most harmful. Nicotine abuse is a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.
Therefore, many dangerous psychoactive drugs can have serious consequences for those who abuse them. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse, please seek help from a professional.
Street Drugs
Street drugs are broadly defined as illegal psychoactive substances that are sold and used on the street. In other words, this category of illegal drugs can include illicit drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine. As well as prescription medications that are sold illegally.
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Ecstasy
- GHB
- Heroin
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Marijuana/hashish
- PCP
- Rohypnol
- Shrooms
- Speed
Street drugs are classified into two types: stimulants and depressants. Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, while depressants slow down the nervous system. Street drugs are also classified by their chemical structure as either natural or synthetic. Natural street drugs come from plants or animals, while synthetic street drugs are manmade in laboratories. The illegal drugs on this list are all synthetic.
Cocaine
A white powder derived from the coca plant. It is a potent central nervous system stimulant. street name: coke, blow, powder, nose candy, flake
Crack cocaine
A solid form of cocaine that is heated to produce vapors that are then inhaled. street names: crack, rock
Ecstasy
A synthetic, psychoactive drug that has stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. street names: MDMA, Molly, E, XTC
GHB
A nervous system depressant that is often used as a date rape drug. street names: G, Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy
Heroin
A highly addictive opioid drug that is derived from the poppy plant. street names: H, smack, junk, brown sugar
Inhalants
A category of street drugs that are sniffed or inhaled to produce psychoactive effects. street names: huffing, gluesniffing, dusting
Ketamine
A dissociative anesthetic that is used on both humans and animals. street names: K, Special K, Vitamin K
LSD
A potent psychedelic drug that is derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye grain. street names: acid, blotter acid, microdots
Marijuana/hashish
A street drug that is derived from the Cannabis plant. street names: weed, pot, ganja, reefer
PCP
A powerful dissociative anesthetic that was once used as an animal tranquilizer. street names: angel dust, love boat, hog
Rohypnol
A sedative that is often used as a date rape drug. street names: roofies, R2, roach-2
Shrooms
A street drug that is derived from mushrooms and contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin. street name: magic mushrooms
Speed
A street drug that is derived from amphetamines and has stimulant effects. street names: uppers, meth, crank, crystal meth, ice
Street drugs are typically sold in small bags or vials and can be found in a variety of locations, including on the street, at nightclubs or raves, and online. Some street drugs are more potent than others and can be very dangerous, especially when used with alcohol or other drugs. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with street drug use and to get help if you or someone you know is using them.
While street drugs can be broadly categorized into these different types, it is important to note that there is significant overlap between them. For example, many street drugs can be both narcotic and designer drugs. Similarly, many street drugs can be both injected and smoked. Ultimately, the type of street drug is less important than the fact that it is illegal and potentially dangerous. If you are using any street psychoactive drugs, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to protect yourself.
Designer Drugs
Designer drugs are a subcategory of street drugs that are produced illegally and sold on the street. These drugs are often designed to mimic the effects of other illicit drugs, such as LSD or MDMA.
Examples of designer drugs:
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Ketamine
- Methamphetamine
- GHB
- LSD
Designer drugs can be extremely dangerous because they are often produced without any safety regulations in place. This means that there is no quality control over these substances, and they may be contaminated or have unexpected side effects.
Designer drugs can also be very potent, and even a small amount can cause serious mental and physical health problems. These drugs are often used recreationally, but they can also be used to enhance the performance of soldiers or other workers. Some designer drugs are even sold as so-called “legal highs,” which means that they are not regulated by the government.
This can make them even more dangerous, as people may not be aware of the risks before taking them. Designer drugs are often produced in clandestine laboratories, and there is no way to know what is in them or how they will affect people. This makes them extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
If you or someone you know is using designer drugs, it is important to get help as soon as possible. There are many resources available to help people quit using these drugs and get treatment for any health problems that may have arisen from their use.
Narcotic Drugs
Narcotic drugs are substances that depress the nervous system, resulting in a variety of effects including pain relief, sedation, and anesthesia. Narcotics are typically used for the treatment of severe pain, though they may also be used to treat other conditions such as anxiety or coughing.
Common examples of narcotics include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl.
Narcotics work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This interaction alters how the brain perceives pain, providing relief from even severe discomfort. In addition to pain relief, narcotics can also cause drowsiness and sedation. At high doses, they can lead to anesthesia and even death.
Due to their potential for abuse and addiction, narcotics are tightly controlled substances. They are available only by prescription and must be used according to the instructions of a medical professional. Those who misuse or abuse narcotics can develop tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Treatment for narcotic addiction typically includes behavioral therapy and medication.
Other psychoactive substances include, injectable drugs are a subtype of street drug that refers to any psychoactive substance that is injected into the body, usually via a needle. Synthetic cannabinoids are a type of street drug that is manufactured to mimic the effects of marijuana.
Long Term Effects of Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs can have several long-term effects on mental and physical health. Substance use disorder is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide, and they often lead to physical dependence. This can cause a range of health problems, including mental disorders and other chronic illnesses. Long-term drug use can also have negative impacts on brain development, mental function, and social skills. In some cases, these effects can last a lifetime.
Mental Disorders:
Psychoactive drugs can cause mental disorders, including paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and other psychotic symptoms. These symptoms may persist even after people stop taking the drug. Drug use disorders are also associated with an increased risk of developing other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Physical Dependence:
Long-term drug use can lead to physical dependence, a condition in which the body adapts to the presence of the drug and requires increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effect. Physical dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms when people stop taking the drug. These symptoms can be mild, such as insomnia and irritability, or severe, such as seizures and psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Mental Function:
Long-term drug use can impair mental function and lead to problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. These effects can last long after people stop taking the drug.
Brain Development:
Drug use can also interfere with brain development, especially in young people. Drugs that are commonly abused by teenagers, such as marijuana, can affect the developing brain and lead to problems with learning, memory, and attention.
Social Skills:
Long-term drug use can also impair social skills and lead to problems with relationships, employment, and housing. People who use drugs are more likely to experience problems with mental health, physical health, and social functioning than people who do not use drugs.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for international public health. The WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community.” mental disorders are defined as “conditions characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that psychoactive drugs are a major public health problem.
Are All Psychoactive Drugs Addictive?
This is a difficult question to answer. While some drugs are more addictive than others, all psychoactive substances have the potential to be abused and lead to addiction.
Drug addiction is a complex condition that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite negative consequences. People with drug addiction often feel unable to control their drug use and may continue using despite the damaging effects it has on their lives.
While not all psychoactive drug use leads to addiction, anyone who uses these substances is at risk. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, seek help from a medical or mental health professional right away.
Why are Psychoactive Drugs Addictive?
Psychoactive drugs directly impact the brain by interacting with neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that relay messages between nerve cells. When a drug binds to a receptor on a neuron, it alters the normal function of that neurotransmitter, resulting in changes in mood, consciousness, and behavior.
The neurological effect of psychoactive drugs
Many psychoactive drugs increase the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in the brain’s reward system and helps to regulate our emotions, motivation, and pleasure. Drugs that increase dopamine levels can produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which reinforce drug-taking behavior. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug and begins to function less normally. This can lead to tolerance, which is when a person needs to take increasingly larger doses of the drug to get the same effect. It can also lead to dependence, which is when a person feels like they need to keep taking the drug just to feel normal.
When someone stops taking a psychoactive drug after using it for a long time, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, irritability, and fatigue. Severe withdrawal symptoms can even lead to seizures or death.
The addictive potential of a drug is related to its ability to cause dopamine release. Drugs that are more likely to cause dependence and addiction are those that cause a large release of dopamine, or that block the normal recycling of dopamine. These drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Other drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, also have high addictive potential.
If you would like to know more information about what is addiction and all about it check out our blog What is Addiction: Types, Signs and Symptoms and Effective Treatment
Health and Safety
When it comes to psychoactive drugs, it’s important to be aware of the health and safety risks involved. It’s especially important to be aware of the dangers of drug dependence and its adverse effects. substance abuse can also have serious consequences, so it’s important to know how to identify symptoms of drug use.
If you think someone may be using psychoactive drugs, there are some signs to look out for. These can include changes in mood or behavior, lethargy, sleepiness, and loss of appetite. If you’re concerned about someone’s drug use, it’s important to talk to them about it and get help from a professional if necessary.
Visit our other blogs for more information on What is an Addiction? and How to Help an Addict
How to know if someone has overdosed
When someone is overdosing on psychoactive drugs, their body may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Tachycardia
- Hyperthermia
- Severe sweating
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Severe confusion
- High body temperature
- Seizures
- Coma
What to do if someone has overdosed
If someone is about to overdose on psychoactive drugs, there are a few key safety procedures you must follow:
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Do not try to make the person vomit.
3. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
4. Stay with them until help arrives.
5. If they are unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
When you observe someone exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately as an overdose can be fatal. If the person is unconscious, call 911. But if they are conscious, try to keep them calm and awake while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Do not attempt to make them vomit or give them anything to eat or drink.
Following these steps can help save a person’s life. If you suspect someone is abusing psychoactive drugs, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible. Substance abuse can lead to serious health problems and even death.
If you suspect that someone has been using psychoactive drugs, there are some signs and symptoms you can look for. These can include changes in sleeping or eating habits, strange or violent behavior, problems with school or work.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Hotlines
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychoactive drugs can have a variety of effects on the brain and behavior of those who use them. Many factors can contribute to someone using these substances, and some drugs are more likely than others to lead to addiction and other serious problems. substance use, brain works, many factors.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, there is help available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance to get on the path to recovery.
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