Types of Drugs

Which are different types of drugs?

Stimulants

Stimulants act on the central nervous system and are associated with feelings of extreme well-being, increased mental and motor activity. Examples include cocaine, crack cocaine, amphetamines (speed) and ecstasy (which is also a hallucinogen).

Depressants

Depressants are chemicals that slow down the central nervous system and suppress brain activity causing relief from anxiety. The most common depressants are alcohol and cannabis. Others include barbiturates and benzodiazepines (e.g. valium, temazepam).

Opiates

Opiate drugs provide pain relief, euphoria, sedation and in increasing doses induce coma. Examples include heroin, morphine, opium, methadone, dipipanone and pethidine.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens cause changes in a person's perception of reality. These include cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and psilocybin (magic mushrooms).