Drugskilled
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DRUG CATEGORIES
Drugs can be classified into different categories based on their chemical ingredients and their effects on users. Here are the five main categories and some information about eac
Central nervous system depressants
Central Nervous System Depressants are colloquially known as painkillers or analgesics, they include alcohol, barbiturates, opiates and sedatives. Signs of use include lethargy, lack of concentration, and excessive sleeping, addiction can quickly develop. Mixing depressants or trying to get off of them “cold turkey” can be fatal, close attention by medically trained person is heavily advised.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in 1990, approved an "analgesic ladder" that gives the medical community a 3 step ladder regarding the potency of painkillers. The first step is paracetamol (500 mg to 1 g every 4-6 hours). The second involves the addition of a NSAID (ei: ibuprofen) or a week opioid such as codeine and the third involves the addition of a stronger opioid such as morphine, oxycodone or fentanyl.
Central nervous system stimulants
Probably the most used and abused drug category, central nervous system stimulants include amphetamines (Ritalin, Methadrine etc), cocaine and for most people, caffeine. Signs of use include abnormal cheerfulness or talkativeness, frequent urination, sleeping difficulty, and loss of appetite. Withdrawal signs may include depression, drowsiness, weakness, lack of interest and hunger.
Opiates and Opiode
Opiates occur naturally in plants but when the word opioids is used, it refers their man made equivalent. They are among the most addictive substances the body can consume, they include heroin, morphine, demerol, methadone and darvon. These drugs produce a sense of euphoria, thus blocking out pain. The symptoms of use include drowsiness, lack of attention, and loss of appetite. Opium resin isolated during processing contains two groups of alkaloids: phenanthrenes (including morphine and codeine) and benzylisoquinolines (including papaverine).
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens use leads to a change in perception, senses and gives visual illusions to the user. They include LSD, mescaline, ecstasy, peyote and methamphetamines. Symptoms of use include difficulty concentrating, flights of disconnected ideas and wild mood swings. Much of what currently passes for LSD, mescaline or other hallucinogens is really PCP, which is an animal tranquilizer. This is an extremely dangerous drug that can produce violent reactions, long-term psychological effects, and even brain damage.
Marijuana
Marijuana use has exploded around the world due to its easy availability and mild symptoms. The active ingredient that produces the effects is THC and its concentration varies wildly depending on location within the plant it was picked and growing conditions. Frequent use may lead to bloodshot eyes so the possession of products such as Visine to mask eye irritation may be an indicator of frequent use. Other indications include carrying rolling papers, having a small decorative pipe, using incense, having a sudden craving for sweet foods or having paper clips with burnt carbon marks.
