The 9 most important types of illegal drugs

Drug addiction has become a serious problem, especially among youth, since they are the target population group for drug dealers in addition to the fact that the consumption of this type of substances at these ages significantly influences life adult.

Although not all drugs are illegal, being the case of alcohol one of the most harmful substances of which there is and that can be obtained perfectly in any supermarket, it is true that most drugs with extremely serious consequences for health are prohibited.

Next we will see the main types of illegal drugs, in addition to addressing a little more in some of them, their desired and harmful effects and what their legal status is.

• Related article: "Addiction: disease or learning disorder?"

Types of illegal drugs

Before going into more detail about illegal drugs, it should be noted that the list that follows is made on the basis of those substances whose consumption and sale is illegal in Spain. In other countries, these drugs can vary.

The drugs that we will see next

have been grouped according to the classification most shared by both psychiatrists and experts in drug addiction, being seen next several groups: cannabinoids, stimulants, opioids, recreational drugs, dissociative drugs and hallucinogens.

Cannabinoids

They are those substances that have been made from the hemp or cannabis plant. In this article we will see both the effects of the same plant and its derivatives.

1. Cannabis, marijuana and hashish

Although cannabis is progressively changing its legal status, today today its sale is still penalized, especially if it has a recreational purpose.

It is one of the most popular, statistics showing that at least 10% of the population of developed countries has had some experience using this substance.

Your long-term use has been associated with listless symptoms and loss of interest, relating it to a progressively lower social, academic and work performance. It also affects the cognitive area, especially concentration and memory.

Cannabis smoke has been associated with respiratory problems, in addition to sexual problems, affecting the menstrual cycle in women and problems in the quality of sperm in the mens.

However, of all the effects that frequent cannabis use implies, whether it is in the form of marijuana as if it is hashish, is to be behind psychosis and delusional pictures, although it should be indicated that not everyone is equally predisposed to these symptoms related to schizophrenia.

In any case, marijuana is considered a soft drug, since it is considered not to cause dependence on level neither physical nor chemical, but psychological, knowing that it causes alterations in the nervous system central.

Marijuana consists of the dried flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis, a plant which contains tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the active substance of the drug that causes its known effects. The brain naturally has receptors for THCThat is why it has effects on a psychological level.

On the other hand, hashish consists of the resin of the marijuana plant, consisting of a brown paste that can be sold illegally in a highly adulterated way.

Stimulants

They are substances that have a psychostimulant effect on the individual who has consumed them. The best known are amphetamines and cocaine.

2. Amphetamines

Amphetamines and, more popularly, speed, are substances that, if consumed frequently, can cause severe depression. Also what has been called amphetamine toxic psychosis may appear, commonly confused with schizophrenia.

Amphetamines are psychotropic drugs and you couldn't really say that they are illegal because, in fact, they are prescribed and can be found in pharmacies, intended mainly for patients with ADHD.

However, without a psychiatric prescription, its use is not legal, and, although many people may think that it will help them concentrate, the truth is that its side effects skyrocket. His degree of addiction is very high.

Despite this, not a few university students consume them hoping that miraculously he will make them study like crazy and pass the partial tests by kneeling the elbows the same week that the tests are done.

Among the effects considered that we could consider desired are the increase in concentration if there psychopathology, euphoria, disinhibition, activation, memory improvement, feeling of self-control, less tiredness and regulation of hunger.

Overdose of these substances cause irritability, seizures, increased temperature and in worst cases death.

Among the most physical symptoms caused by amphetamine use over time are hair quality problems, acne, weak nails, as well as gum and tooth disease.

3. Cocaine and crack

This drug comes from the coca plant, being obtained from its leaves. Its mechanism of action on the body involves the alteration of the levels of dopamine brain, specifically in the mesolimbic pathway of reward, causing a feeling of euphoria, as well as security and strength.

The risks of cocaine use are multiple, including breathing problems and nosebleeds from being used by inhalation.

It also produces sleep disturbances, restlessness, irritability, and episodes of both physical and verbal aggression. Also affects the circulatory system level, producing vascular accidents and cerebral infarcts.

Psychiatric complications include anxiety attacks, delusions, confusion, hallucinations, memory disturbances, and poor concentration.

It should be said yes has legal use in some countries, especially as a pain reliever for certain types of surgeries.

Among cocaine is crack, a drug which is equally illegal but cheaper, consisting of a mixture of cocaine with sodium bicarbonate, that is, the typical fruit salt to calm heartburn.

Opioids

Opioids are substances whose mechanism of action affects opioid receptors, which are found in the central nervous system and also in the gastrointestinal tract. The best known opioid drug is heroin.

4. Heroin

Heroin is a substance whose prolonged use can lead to changes in personality of the person addicted to the drug, in addition to depression, anxiety and memory problems.

The degree of dependence on this substance once consumed is very high, meaning that if it has been had a first contact with her only once the chances of ending up being addicted to heroin.

It can alter the body nutritionally, especially due to the fact that it causes gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, liver and kidney problems.

Recreational drugs

Also called designer drugs, they are those drugs that are used especially in a party context, such as discos or dance halls, and that to be produced they need to be synthesized in laboratories.

5. MDMA

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called ecstasy, It is a substance that fortunately few people have had the opportunity to consume it, being sold in the form of tablets, pills or powders.

It is estimated that in most countries less than 1% of the population has had a testimonial contact with this substance.

At first it causes a state of euphoria, altering serotonin levels in the brain; However, after a few hours it gives way to negative feelings and lack of energy, such as exhaustion, sadness, aggressiveness and anxiety, symptoms that can last several days.

At an organic level, ecstasy causes changes in the heart rate and a rise in body temperature, tremors, seizures and contraction of the jaw. Kidney and liver failure are not uncommon.

• You may be interested: "Serotonin: 6 effects of this hormone on your body and mind"

Dissociative drugs

These types of drugs make the person have the sensation that he loses consciousness or feels out of his own body.

6. Ketamine

Overdose of this substance can cause total loss of consciousness, eat and even death. It can also cause urination problems, eye problems, digestion difficulties, respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.

One of the best known symptoms is what has been called a 'bad trip', which in essence consists of a panic attack accompanied by a horrible feeling of anguish.

Other notable symptoms are paranoia, flash-backs, brain damage, memory failures and other higher psychological processes as well as language difficulties.

7. Phencyclidine (PCP)

Phencyclidine, more popularly known as angel dust, is a drug that when it was synthesized in the 1950s was intended to serve as an anesthetic, but over time it was found to have undesirable side effects and was withdrawn.

It consists of a white, crystalline powder that dissolves with water or alcohol, although it is difficult find it in its pure state and usually other substances are added that make it acquire a tone Brown.

Unwanted effects include delirium and confusion. Produces hallucinations and dissociation, feeling of strength, numbness in the limbs, speech problems, coordination difficulties, rapid saccades and amnesia.

Among the psychiatric symptoms can be found anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, hostility and thinking that one is in danger of death.

Overdose causes seizures, coma, and death, usually from accidental injury or autolytic actions.

Hallucinogens

The symptom shared by hallucinogens is that of producing, as their name suggests, hallucinations and a sensation of distortions of reality.

8. LSD

Among the most well-known hallucinogens is LSD, whose consumption may be behind the appearance of mood and anxiety disorders.

Among the most popular symptoms of hallucinogens are 'flash-backs', as well as severe depressive episodes, paranoia, synaesthesia, memory failures and thinking problems.

LSD does not cause physical dependence nor is it toxic if consumed occasionally, but it is important to bear in mind that it implies negative symptoms for the body and the conscience of the person who has consumed the drug.

9. Magic mushrooms

Although the long-term risks of consuming mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties are not yet known, they are known to cause anxiety and panic attacks, as well as emotional instability.

Yes, it has been seen that the state of mind prior to the consumption of these mushrooms influences the symptoms that they will generate. In case of being in a bad mood a "bad trip" can happen, while otherwise the experience can be quite pleasant.

Mushrooms make you look brightly colored, have quite complex hallucinations and even mystical experiences.

Among the most consumed mushrooms are the fly agaric and psilocybes, being consumed dehydrated. They do not seem to cause addiction.

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