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Different Types of Drugs

 

            Psychoactive drugs are classified into four major groups: stimulants, depressants, narcotics, and hallucinogens. Three other types of drugs - cannabis (marijuana), inhalants, and designer drugs - have the same effects as some drugs in the four major groups. Steroids are not considered psychoactive drugs but are abused for other reasons.
             Stimulants are drugs that stimulate, or speed up, nerve activity. Nicknames include nicotine, cocaine, crack, coke, amphetamines (speed/uppers), methamphetamines (ice, glass, crystal meth), caffeine. The physical effects of these drugs are: increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Increased energy, restlessness, loss of appetite. Long-term effects include: brain, lung, kidney, and heart damage. The psychological effects are: euphoria, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and aggression.
             Depressants are drugs that depress, or slow down, nerve activity. Nicknames include barbiturates (downers), tranquilizers, ludes, quads and alcohol. The physical effects of these drugs are: decreased heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Poor coordination, slowed reaction time and blurred vision. The psychological effects: reduce anxiety, mental confusion, mood changes, impaired judgement. The long-term use effects are: heart, kidney, lung, and brain damage.
             Narcotics are strong painkillers that produce a relaxed, dreamy state. Nicknames include: codeine, morphine, opium, heroine. The physical effects are pain relief, sleepiness, decreased heart rate, blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. The psychological effects are: relaxation, inability to concentrate, hunger and sexual stimulation. Long-term use effects are heart, kidney, lung, and brain damage.
             Hallucinogens are drugs that distort users' perceptions of their surroundings and their own bodies. Nicknames are LSD (acid), PCP (angel dust), ecstasy, mushrooms. The physical effects are dilated pupils, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.


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