The 9 most important types of illegal drugs (and their characteristics)

A summary of the most relevant drugs that are illegal in most countries.

Drug addictions have become a serious problem, especially among young people, as they are the target population group of drug dealers and the consumption of these substances at this age has a significant influence on adult life.

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

We will now take a look at the main types of illegal drugsWe will also go into more detail on some of them, their desired and harmful effects and their legal status.

Types of illegal drugs

Before going into more detail about illegal drugs, it should be noted that the list below 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 commonly shared by both psychiatrists and experts in drug addiction.The following groups are: cannabinoids, stimulants, opioids, recreational drugs, dissociative drugs and hallucinogens.

Cannabinoids

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

Cannabis, marijuana and hashish

Although the legal status of cannabis is progressively changing, as of today Today, its sale and purchase is still penalized, especially if it is for recreational purposes..

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

Its long-term use has been associated with apathetic symptoms and loss of interest.It is related to a progressive decrease in social, academic and work 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 sperm quality problems in men.

However, of all the effects of frequent cannabis consumption, whether it is in the form of marijuana or hashish, is to be behind psychosis and delusions, although it should be noted that not everyone has the same predisposition to suffer from these symptoms. not everyone has the same predisposition to suffer from these symptoms related to schizophrenia. 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, since it is known to cause alterations in the central nervous system.

Marijuana consists of the flowers, leaves, seeds and dried stems of cannabis, a plant which contains tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the active ingredient of the drug that causes its well-known effects. The brain naturally possesses receptors for THC.The brain has receptors for THC naturally, that is why it has effects at the 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 psycho-stimulant effect on the individual who has consumed them. The best known are amphetamines and cocaine.

2. Amphetamines

Amphetamines and, at a more popular level, speed, are substances that, if consumed frequently, can cause severe depression. Also What has been called amphetamine toxic psychosis can also appear.usually confused with schizophrenia.

Amphetamines are psychotropic drugs and, actually, it could not be said that they are illegal because, in fact, they are prescribed and can be found in pharmacies, mainly intended for patients with ADHD.

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

Despite this, there are more than a few university students who take them, hoping that they will miraculously miraculously hoping that it will make them study like crazy and pass their midterm exams the same week they take the tests.

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

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

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

3. Cocaine and crack

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

The risks of cocaine consumption are multiple, including respiratory problems and nosebleeds because it is consumed by inhalation.

It also causes sleep disturbances, restlessness, irritability and episodes of physical and verbal aggressiveness. Also It also affects the circulatory systemproducing vascular accidents and cerebral infarcts.

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

It should be noted that it does have legalized use in some countries, especially as an analgesic. legalized in some countries, especially as an analgesic for certain types of surgeries. for certain types of surgeries.

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

Opioids

Opioids are substances whose mechanism of action involves 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 personality changes. The degree of dependence to this substance once consumed is very high, making that in case of having had a first contact with it only once, the possibilities of ending up being addicted to heroin skyrocket.

The degree of dependence to this substance once consumed is very high, making that in case of having had a first contact with it only once, the possibilities of ending up being addicted to heroin skyrocket.

It can alter the organism at a nutritional levelIt can alter the organism at a nutritional level, especially because it produces gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal problems.

Recreational drugs

Also called designer drugs, these are drugs that are used mainly in party contexts, such as discotheques or dance halls, and which, in order to be produced, need to be synthesized in laboratories.

5. MDMA

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as ecstasy, is a substance which, fortunately, is not very popular.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% of the population has even had a testimonial contact with this substance.

Initially 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, aggressiveness and anxiety, symptoms that can last for several days.

At the organic level, ecstasy causes changes in heart rate and rise in body temperature, tremors, convulsions and contraction of the jaw. Renal and hepatic insufficiencies are not infrequent.

Dissociative drugs

This type of drug causes the person to have the sensation of losing consciousness or feeling out of his or her own body.

6. Ketamine

Overdose of this substance can cause total loss of consciousness, coma and even death.coma 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 the 'bad trip', which essentially consists of a panic attack accompanied by a horrible feeling of anguish.

Other notable symptoms include paranoia, flashbacks, brain damage, memory failure 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 discovered that PCP could be used as an anesthetic. over time it was found to have undesirable side effects and was withdrawn from the market..

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

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

Psychiatric symptomatology may include anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, hostility and thoughts of being in danger of death.

Overdose causes convulsions, coma and death, usually due to accidental injury or autolytic actions.

Hallucinogens

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

8. LSD

Among the best known hallucinogens is LSD, whose use may be responsible for the onset of mood and anxiety disorders. mood and anxiety disorders..

Among the most popular symptoms of hallucinogens are 'flashbacks', in addition to severe depressive episodes, paranoia, synesthesia, memory lapses and thinking problems.

LSD does not cause physical dependence nor is it toxic if consumed occasionally, but it is important to keep in mind that LSD is not a drug of abuse.However, it is important to take into account that it involves negative symptoms for the organism and the consciousness of the person who has consumed the drug.

9. Magic mushrooms

Although the long-term risks of the consumption of mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties are not yet known, it is known that they provoke anxiety and panic crises, as well as emotional instability.

It has been seen that the state of mind prior to the consumption of these mushrooms influences the symptoms they will generate. If you are in a bad mood a "bad trip" may occurOtherwise, the experience can be quite pleasant.

Mushrooms make you see vivid colors, have quite complex hallucinations and even mystical experiences.

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