Types of Illegal Drugs

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Street Narcotics

Narcotics are opiates used to obtain a rush of pleasure, euphoria, and freedom from pain. They produce significant degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, causing abusers to spend increasing time and energy obtaining and using them. Street narcotics include heroin and opium. Other narcotics that can be obtained legally and then abused are codeine, Demerol, methadone, morphine, and Darvon, to name a few. All types of illegal drugs narcotics have been associated with severe withdrawal symptoms for abusers.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is a partial derivative of amphetamines and has effects similar to others in the amphetamine group. It is sometimes classified as a hallucinogen. Most individuals who use ecstasy also use other drugs. Other names for ecstasy include MBDB, MDE, MDA, MDEA and 2CB.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Cocaine

Cocaine, a drug that resembles a white powder, often makes the user feel alert, confident, talkative, and strong. Cocaine use is most prevalent among males between the ages of 18 and 25. Its effects last for about 45 minutes. On the streets, cocaine may be diluted with cornstarch, talcum powder, sugar, or other drugs. Because cocaine is extremely addictive, the first-time user cannot possibly predict when loss of control will occur. Street names for cocaine are coke, snow, blow, Peruvian marching powder, or C.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens, also called psychedelic drugs, create a range of perceptual distortions and various psychological symptoms. Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses seem to be enhanced, and brilliant hallucinations occur. Street names for LSD, which is a hallucinogen, include acid, twenty-five, Sid, Bart Simpsons, barrels, tabs, blotter, heavenly blue, L, liquid, Liquid A, microdots, mind detergent, orange cubes, hits, paper acid, sugar, sugar lumps, sunshine, ticket, wedding bells, and windowpane.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Crack Cocaine

Cocaine base, or crack, is a vapor form of cocaine that can be smoked. Due to the short, intense nature of the smoked form, types of illegal drugs such as crack are extremely addictive. Street names for crack cocaine include: rock, crackers, smoke, Bebe, bings, and French fry.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Amphetamines

Amphetamines and methamphetamines are types of illegal drugs known as stimulants. These types of illegal drugs are commonly used by young people at parties and raves to enhance energy levels for clubbing and dancing. Stimulant medications can help people with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) feel calmer, but they have the opposite effect on people who do not have that disorder. Street names for amphetamines include speed, bennies, glass, crystal, crank, and pep pills.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: GHB / Rohypnol

Rohypnol is a tranquilizer similar to Valium but approximately 10 times more potent. It is an addictive drug. Rohypnol can be abused either for its intoxicating, sedative, euphoria-producing properties, or for its release of growth hormones, which can build muscles. Recently, these types of illegal drugs have been identified as a "date rape" drug used to anaesthetize victims. Street names for Rohypnol include roofies, roopies, rope, ropies, R2, or roaches. GHB also has a reputation as a "date rape" drug. It is a particularly dangerous drug because it depresses breathing and is easily overdosed. Street names for GHB include G, Liquid Ecstacy, somatomax, scoop, Georgia Home Boy, and Grievous Bodily Harm.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Steroids

Although anabolic steroids are available only by prescription in the United States, many steroid supplements are available over the counter and are marketed under several names. Steroids and steroid supplements are often taken to increase performance in sports. Some people take these types of illegal drugs to develop muscles. Abusers of steroids take many times the recommended dosages in an effort to bulk up. Steroid abuse has been increasing in recent years, especially among middle-school-age young people. Steroid use has been associated with chemical dependence and withdrawal syndrome.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Inhalants and Solvents

Abuse of inhalants and solvents is most common among adolescents and younger children, especially between the ages of 13 to 15. These types of illegal drugs and chemicals, which are easily and cheaply available, are often "gateway drugs" that young people use before moving on to other drugs of abuse. Examples of inhalants and solvents include glues, gasoline, rubber cement, aerosols, antifreeze, gasoline, correcting fluid, room deodorizers, paint thinners, nail polish removers, shoe polish, cooking sprays, and household cleaners and waxes.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Ketamine

Ketamine, which was developed for use as an anesthetic, distances the user from physical sensations and also relieves pain. Ketamine is chemically similar to PCP, but it is faster acting and less potent. It is also very addictive. Ketamine is sold commercially as Ketalar. Street names are Ketter, Special K, Lady K, Vitamin K, or just K.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Heroin

Heroin is a very addictive drug of the opiate class. It is fast acting and poses many potentially serious health risks. Because street heroin may contain impurities that do not readily dissolve, it can obstruct blood vessels that lead to the brain, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Sharing needles while using street drugs is one of the leading ways to transmit HIV and other diseases.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Marijuana

Getting "stoned" on marijuana makes many users feel relaxed and talkative. The main effects usually plateau for about half a hour after use and then taper off, but evidence suggests that some effects may last for days or weeks after use.

 

Types of Illegal Drugs: Phencyclidene (PCP)

PCP is a synthetic drug, white crystalline powder that can be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. It has been sold in a variety of tablets, capsules, colored powders, liquids, or pastes. Originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic for surgery but was later discarded for human use due to extreme adverse side effects. It was later used in veterinary medicine as a general anesthetic or tranquilizer for large animals. It has since been discontinued for use in veterinary medicine and is manufactured in illicit laboratories. It is primarily combined with leafy dried vegetable matter such as parsley, mint, or tobacco and smoked in the form of a hand rolled cigarette.