When considering only their chemical makeup, there are seven main classifications of drugs: alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, stimulants, barbiturates, and hallucinogens. Out of all the thousands of drugs that are out there, both prescription and illegal, each one can be categorized under one of these seven headings. In addition to their chemical classification, drugs can be categorized by their levels of legality and physical danger. We will try to merge these various qualifiers into one concise overview.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the single most widely abused substance throughout the world, and the United States is no different. Legal to some varying degrees in all 50 states, alcohol impacts several of the body’s basic functions. This causes a wide variety of effects on those who drink it. Alcohol has the ability to create feelings of euphoria and it lowers inhibitions, but for those who begin to imbibe while they are sad or angry, it can greatly magnify those feelings as well.
In addition to its effects on the mood, alcohol also severely impairs judgment, perception (both emotional and physical), and reaction times. Alcohol has severe and permanent effects on the body from long term addictive use. The liver, kidneys, pancreas, esophagus, and heart all suffer greatly from long term use.
Some forms of alcohol include:
- Beer
- Wine
- Whiskey
- Vodka
- Rum
- Hard Liquors
- Sake
- Mead
- Hard ciders
- Hard seltzers
- Wine coolers
Opioids
More commonly referred to as opiates, opioids are either derived from the drug opium or a series of synthetic chemicals designed to mimic opium. Opiates work by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain and blocking the signals that they are sending. This enables opioids to be used as extremely powerful painkillers, but they also induce feelings of intense pleasure, which is one of the reasons they are so addictive.
Another primary reason for addiction to opioids is the body becomes physically dependent on the chemical. Stopping opioid use abruptly causes severe physical withdrawal symptoms, causing the addict to use again in order to feel normal again. Opioid addiction is one of the most serious problems faced by America today. Opiates are one of the most addictive substances known today, and they are also some of the most lethal. The street (illegal) versions of opiates (Heroin, Fentanyl, Carfentanyl).
Some examples of opioids include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Tramadol
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, more commonly known in America as Benzos, are a classification of drugs that function by interacting with a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A). Each different form of Benzodiazepine interacts with GABA-A differently, which is how they are each able to affect the body and mind differently from one another.
They are prescribed to treat a varied set of psychiatric conditions and sleep problems, but they are also very widely abused, and highly addictive. They will very probably cause numerous medical and psychiatric problems if they are not used in the medically prescribed way.
Some examples of benzodiazepines include:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a classification of drugs that have similar chemical compounds to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active agent in marijuana. Cannabinoids create feelings of elation, but they do also have a chance of negatively impacting your mental and physical functioning. Cannabinoids are the second most widely abused drug in the world, and they are becoming increasingly legal in more and more states. They are considered to have little to no chance of physical addiction, especially compared to other drug classifications.
Some example of cannabinoids include:
- Cannabis (THC, Delta 8, Delta 9)
- Marijuana (weed, pot)
- Hashish
Stimulants
Stimulants are a classification of drugs, some legally prescribed, some illicit, that speed up neurotransmissions between the brain and body. Effects can include: a sense of euphoria, feeling strong and or powerful, more focus and mental attention, heightened energy levels, and “fast” or “racing” thoughts.
When prescribed by a doctor these effects are used to counteract disabilities such as ADHD, ADD, and Narcolepsy. When used recreationally, drugs such as Cocaine are considered “party” drugs and are highly addictive and expensive. Stimulants have a higher than normal risk of overdose due to their addictive qualities. The user often continues to use them repeatedly without stopping or taking “breaks”
Some examples of stimulants include:
- Caffeine (Coffee, Energy Drinks, Energy Shots)
- Nicotine (Cigarettes, Vapes, Pouches, Chewing Tobacco, Dip, Lozenges, Gum)
- Cocaine (Powder, soft, “Blow”, Crack, Hard, Freebase)
- Adderall (Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
- Methamphetamine (Meth, Ice, “Tina”)
- Amphetamine
- Benzedrine (Levoamphetamine)
- Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
Barbiturates
The functioning of the central nervous system is slowed down when someone takes barbiturates. This classification of drugs is a derivative of the chemical barbituric acid. Barbiturates were historically popular for the treatment of psychiatric and sleep disorders and reached their peak notoriety in the 1950s and 1960s.
They are still used for anesthesia and to treat a wide variety of conditions like epilepsy and even headaches. They are also extremely addictive and can present a very high overdose risk as they cause many bodily systems to shut down.
Some examples of barbiturates include:
- Phenobarbital (Luminal)
- Secobarbital (Seconal)
- Amobarbital (Amytal)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
- Butalbital (found in Fioricet, Fiorinal)
- Thiopental (Pentothal)
- Butabarbital (Butisol)
- Methohexital (Brevital)
- Primidone (Mysoline, metabolizes into phenobarbital)
- Barbital (Veronal)
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are drugs that alter the thinking processes and the perception of those who take them. These perceptions are altered in such a manner that leads to significant distortions and fragmentations of reality. Hallucinogens have the ability to affect one’s perceptions in a vastly different manner than many other drugs. Popularly, the influence of these drugs represents experiences of new and even expanded consciousness.
For example, some individuals may experience synesthesia (mixed sensory experiences, such as seeing sounds or hearing colors). Other common occurrences produced by this classification of drug include hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t actually there), an altered sense of time (feeling like hours have passed but it has only been a few minutes or vice versa), and dissociative experiences (not being inside your physical body or not feeling connected to reality). These drugs carry a very low risk of addiction or fatal overdose but can alter the mind in a lasting way if taken in too great a quantity.
Some examples of hallucinogens include:
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms)
- Mescaline (found in peyote cactus)
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Salvia divinorum
- Ketamine
- PCP (Phencyclidine)
- Ayahuasca (contains DMT)
- Ibogaine
Getting Help
If you or a loved one have developed a dependence on any drugs, it is important to seek help. Discovery Place provides stable and supportive surroundings to help you recover from addiction. Medical detox may be required or recommended, depending on each individual situation. To learn more about our programs call us today at 1-800-725-0922. Our team of professionals at Discovery Place are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is hope for you or your loved one. We understand, we’ve been there.
