Drug addiction has become a serious problem, especially among young people, since they are the target population of drug dealers and drug use at this age has a significant influence on adult life.

Although not all drugs are illegal, with alcohol being one of the most harmful substances available and perfectly available in any supermarket, it is true that most drugs with extremely serious health implications are banned.

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

Types of illegal drugs

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

The drugs that we will see below have been grouped according to the classification most shared by both psychiatrists and experts in drug addiction , with several groups being seen below: cannabinoids, stimulants, opioids, recreational drugs, dissociative drugs and hallucinogens.

Cannabinoids

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

1. Cannabis, marijuana and hashish

Although cannabis is progressively changing its legal status, the purchase and sale of cannabis, especially for recreational purposes , continues to be penalized today.

It is one of the most popular, with statistics indicating that at least 10% of the population in developed countries has had some experience with the substance.

Its long-term consumption has been associated with apathetic symptoms and loss of interest , relating it to progressively lower social, academic and occupational performance. It also affects the cognitive area, especially concentration and memory.

Cannabis smoke has been associated with respiratory problems, as well as sexual problems, affecting the menstrual cycle in women and problems with sperm quality in men.

However, of all the effects that the frequent use of cannabis, whether in the form of marijuana or hashish, implies, is to be behind psychosis and delusions, although it should be noted that not everyone has the same predisposition to suffer these symptoms related to schizophrenia.

In any case, marijuana is considered a soft drug, since it is considered that it does not cause dependence at a physical or chemical level, but it does cause psychological dependence, and it is known that it causes alterations in the central nervous system.

Marijuana consists of the dried flowers, leaves, seeds and stems of cannabis, a plant which contains tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the drug’s active ingredient that causes its known effects. The brain naturally possesses receptors for THC , so 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 form.

Stimulants

These 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 can appear what has been called amphetamine toxic psychosis , usually confused with schizophrenia.

Amphetamines are psychopharmaceuticals, and one could not really say that they are illegal because they are in fact prescribed and can be found in pharmacies, mainly for patients with ADHD.

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

In spite of this, there are many university students who consume them hoping that it will miraculously make them study like possessed and pass their midterms by bending their elbows the same week they take the tests.

Among the effects considered that we could consider desirable are increased concentration if there is psychopathology, euphoria, disinhibition, activation, improved memory, feeling of self-control, less fatigue and regulation of hunger.

Overdoses of these substances cause irritability, convulsions, increased temperature and in the worst case scenario death.

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

3. Cocaine and crack

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

The risks of cocaine use are multiple, including breathing problems and nosebleeds due to its use by inhalation.

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

Psychiatric complications include anxiety crises, delusions, confusion, hallucinations, memory disturbances and lack of concentration.

It can be said that yes has legalised use in some countries, mainly as an analgesic for certain types of surgery.

Within cocaine is crack, which is equally illegal but cheaper, consisting of a mixture of cocaine with baking soda, ie the typical fruit salt to soothe the acidity of the stomach.

Opioids

Opioids are substances whose mechanism of action affects the 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 the 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, making the chances of ending up as a heroin addict soar if you have had a first contact with it only once.

It can alter the organism at a nutritional level , mainly due to the fact that it produces gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal problems.

Recreational drugs

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

5. MDMA

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

It is estimated that in most countries less than 1 per cent of the population has come into testimonial contact with this substance.

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

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

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

Dissociative drugs

This type of drug makes the person feel like they are unconscious or feel outside their own body.

6. Ketamine

An overdose of this substance can cause total loss of consciousness , coma and even death. Problems with urination, eye problems, digestion difficulties, respiratory depression and cardiac arrest may also occur.

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

Other notable symptoms are paranoia, flash-backs, brain damage, memory lapses and other higher psychological processes in addition to language difficulties.

7. Phencyclidine (PCP)

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

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

Among the unwanted effects are delirium and confusion. It produces hallucinations and dissociation , sensation of strength, numbness in the extremities, speech problems, difficulties in coordination, rapid saccadic movements and amnesia.

Psychiatric symptoms include anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, hostility and the thought of being 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 feeling of distortion of reality.

8. LSD

Among the best 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, in addition to severe depressive episodes, paranoia, synaesthesia, memory lapses and thinking problems.

LSD does not cause physical dependence nor is it toxic if consumed occasionally , but it is important to note that it implies negative symptoms for the organism 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.

It has been seen that the mood prior to consumption of these mushrooms influences the symptoms they will generate. In case of being in a bad mood a “bad trip” can occur , while otherwise the experience can be quite pleasant.

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

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

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