Drugs: Types of drugs and the effects they have
Drugs can affect your body, your mental health, and your relationships with others.
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DRUG TYPES: Drugs can typically be categorised into these four types; all behave differently in the body and produce different effects.
- HALLUCINOGENS
- STIMULANTS
- DEPRESSANTS
- OPIATES.
The effects on you will depend on the type of drug are taking. Some drugs are highly addictive and experimentation can lead to a dangerous and expensive habit.
Depressants:
Such as LSD (Acid), Psilocybe Semilanceata (Magic Mushrooms), PCP (Angel Dust), Cannabis (Weed), Alcohol, GHB, GBL…
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Depressant drugs produce a feeling of relaxation and calm between the body and brain. Depressants hove also been linked with mental health problems, and in high doses can cause paranoia, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
There are many other effects:
- Drowsiness, slurred speech, and blurred vision
- Impaired judgement (as well as lack of self-control leading to increased risk-taking)
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
Hallucinogens:
Such as LSD (Acid), Psilocybe Semilanceata (Magic Mushrooms), PCP (Angel Dust)
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Hallucinogens are drugs that distort how you see the world around you. They can be naturally occurring or man-made, and hove many effects on the body:
- A trip
- Lack of appetite
- Changes in sense of time
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of coordination
- Flashbacks
- Vomiting
- Panic & paranoia
Stimulants:
Such as Cocaine (Coke, Crack), Speed (Amphetamines), Ecstacy (Pills, MDMA)…
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Stimulants can be addictive to different degrees. Some stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy, are illegal because they can cause a lot of harm to the body.
Some of the effects of stimulant drugs are:
- Increase in energy and mental alertness, and feelings of euphoria
- A comedown
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Increased heart rate
- Unpredictable and violent behaviour
- Panic & paranoia
- Feelings of confidence and increased risk taking
- Damage to the immune system
Opiates:
Such as Heroin (smack, horse), Codeine, Methadone, Morphine…
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Opiate drugs control addictive behaviour and pain. They are incredibly addictive.
Some other effects of opiates include:
- An overwhelming feeling of euphoria and pleasure
- Collapsed veins and infectious diseases
- Constipation and stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching, sweating and mood swings
- Insomnia and clouded thoughts
- Overdose – A heavy feeling in the arms and legs
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