What are the 7 types of drugs?

DREs classify drugs in one of seven categories: central nervous system (CNS)

depressants, CNS stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics,
narcotic analgesics, inhalants, and cannabis.
Physicians have long recognized that different types of drugs affect people
differently. Nonetheless, drugs may be categorized or classified according to
certain shared symptomatologies or effects. The DRE categorization process is
premised on these long-standing, medically accepted facts. DREs classify drugs in
one of seven categories: central nervous system (CNS) depressants, CNS
stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, inhalants,
and cannabis. Drugs from each of these categories can affect a person's central
nervous system and impair a person's normal faculties, including a person's
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
(1) Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
CNS depressants slow down the operations of the brain and the body. Examples
of CNS depressants include alcohol, barbiturates, anti-anxiety tranquilizers (e.g.,
Valium, Librium, Xanax, Prozac, and Thorazine), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate),
Rohypnol, and many other anti-depressants (e.g., Zoloft, Paxil).

(2) CNS Stimulants

CNS stimulants accelerate the heart rate and elevate the blood pressure and
"speed-up," or over-stimulate, the body. Examples of CNS stimulants include
cocaine, "crack" cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine ("crank").

(3) Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens cause the user to perceive things differently than they actually
are. Examples include LSD, peyote, psilocybin and MDMA (Ecstasy).

(4) Dissociative Anesthetics

Dissociative anesthetics include drugs that inhibit pain by cutting off or
dissociating the brain's perception of the pain. PCP, its analogs, and
dextromethoraphan are examples of dissociative anesthetics.

(5) Narcotic Analgesics

Narcotic analgesics relieve pain, induce euphoria, and create mood changes in
the user. Examples of narcotic analgesics include opium, codeine, heroin,
demerol, darvon, morphine, methadone, Vicodin, and oxycontin.
(6) Inhalants
Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable substances that produce mind-
altering results and effects. Examples of inhalants include Toluene, plastic
cement, paint, gasoline, paint thinners, hair sprays, and various anesthetic gases.

(7) Cannabis
Cannabis is the scientific name for marijuana. The active ingredient in cannabis is
delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This category includes cannabinoids and
synthetics like Dronabinol.

Depressants
Like stimulants, depressants also impact the body’s CNS but with the opposite effect, making users
feel as if things are “slowing down.” Thus, they are often called “downers” on the street.

Doctors prescribe some depressants for anxiety, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and

other medical issues that prevent the sufferer from fully relaxing. These drugs often offer a sedative
experience, making them a tempting choice for teens and adults who wish to escape everyday
stresses.

Examples of depressants include:

Barbiturates
Phenobarbital Pentobarbital
Benzodiazepines
Rohypnol Xanax Valium
Alcohol
Alcohol as a Depressant
Alcohol acts as a depressant, making it a popular choice for people who need or
want to relax. Although drinking is often associated with immediate bursts of
energy, the person’s vital functions inevitably slow down. This slowing down can
lead to slurred speech, altered judgment and unsteady movement. Overdosing on
alcohol can cause severe toxicity and even death.

Tobacco as a Depressant

The active ingredient in tobacco is nicotine, a chemical that acts as both a stimulant and a
depressant. Tobacco gives users a minor, immediate rush, followed by a feeling of relaxation.
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances available on the market and is dangerous to even
try.

Risks of Depressant Abuse

Depressants can be useful when used properly, but depressant abuse can cause a host of
issues in both the long and short term, including:

 Confusion
 Dizziness
 Extreme sleepiness
 Slowed heart rate
 Difficulty speaking
 Inability to concentrate
 Lack of coordination
 Labored or shallow breathing
 Death

Stimulants
Stimulants or “uppers” impact the body’s central nervous system (CNS), causing the user to feel as
if they are “speeding up.” These drugs increase the user’s level of alertness, pumping up heart
rate, blood pressure, breathing and blood glucose levels.

Doctors primarily prescribe stimulants for ADHD and narcolepsy. The drugs can also help aid
weight loss, as they can decrease appetite. Stimulant abuse can occur in school or college when
students wish to enhance performance in school or sports.

Stimulants often come in pill form but are also consumed via snorting or even as food and drink.
For example, caffeine is found in many beverages, and cocaine is a snorted powder.

Different types of stimulants include:

 Adderall
 Ritalin
 Synthetic marijuana
 Cocaine
 Methamphetamine
 Ecstasy
 Caffeine

Risks of Stimulant Abuse

When abused, stimulants can cause a variety of undesirable consequences. These effects can
include:

 Anxiety
 Paranoia
 Psychosis
 High body temperature
 Depression
 Heart failure
 Stroke
 Seizures

Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that alter a person’s perception of reality. They work by
disrupting brain activity, affecting mood, sensory perception and muscle control. They can be made
synthetically or found naturally. 

Although research is currently being conducted on medicinal uses for these drugs, most of these
drugs are not prescribed and are considered recreational. Examples of hallucinogens include:

 Psilocybin (mushrooms)
 Peyote (mescaline)
 LSD (acid)

Risks of Hallucinogen Abuse

Hallucinogen abuse can have devastating effects that can last a lifetime:

 Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, also known as flashbacks

 Fear
 Distorted cognition
 Paranoia
 Psychosis
 Anxiety
 Increased blood pressure
 Nausea
: Dissociatives
Dissociatives distort the user’s perception of reality and cause people to “dissociate” or feel as if
they are watching themselves from outside their own bodies. They may gain a false sense of
invincibility then engage in risky behavior such as driving under the influence or having unsafe sex.

These drugs work by interfering with the brain’s receptors for the chemical glutamate, which plays
a significant role in cognition, emotionality and pain perception. Dissociatives can be taken as
liquids, powders, solids or gases. The drugs include:

 Ketamine
 DXM (Dextromethorphan)
 PCP (phencyclidine)

Risks of Dissociative Abuse

Dissociatives are very dangerous, especially when used over extended periods of time. However,
their immediate impact can be quite distressing as well:

 Depression
 Anxiety
 Suicidal thoughts
 Speech difficulties
 Social withdrawal
 Hallucinations
 Detachment from reality
 Numbness
 Memory loss

Opioids
Among the most addictive types of drugs, opioids are powerful painkillers that produce a sense of
euphoria. Derived from the poppy plant, opioids are often prescribed to patients who are suffering
from intense pain. They are extremely habit-forming, and it may only take a couple of weeks to
become physically addicted to these types of drugs. In some rare instances, studies have
demonstrated that it is possible to become addicted after just one dose of an opioid. 

Opioids can be smoked, eaten, drank, injected or taken as pills. Examples of opioids include:

 Heroin
 Morphine
  Hydrocodone
 Opium
 Vicodin
 OxyContin
 Percocet
 Codeine

Risks of Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse can devastate a person’s life. Unfortunately, when someone decides to stop using
opioids, they may suffer tremendously. For example, opioid withdrawal can be especially difficult,
riddling sufferers with flu-like symptoms. Other withdrawal effects include:

 Nausea and vomiting

 Diarrhea
 Anxiety
 Inability to sleep
 Hot and cold flashes
 Excessive sweating
 Muscle cramps
 Runny nose
 Watery eyes

Inhalants
Mostly made up of everyday household items, these drugs cause brief feelings of euphoria. As the
name suggests, inhalants are always inhaled as gases or fumes. The “highs” slightly differ between
inhalants, but most people who abuse inhalants are willing to huff whatever substance they can
get.

Examples of inhalants include:

 Fumes of markers, paint, paint thinner, gasoline and glue

 Nitrous oxide
 Aerosol sprays
 Room deodorizers

Risks of Inhalant Abuse

Inhalant abuse can have devastating effects, both immediate and in the long run:
  Loss of smell
 Brain damage
 Nosebleeds
 Weakness
 Euphoria
 Increased heart rate
 Loss of consciousness
 Hallucinations
 Slurred speech

Cannabis
Most commonly recognized as marijuana, cannabis acts like a hallucinogen but also produces
depressant-like effects. It is a Schedule I drug (i.e., it has a high potential for addiction) but has
increasing medicinal uses in the United States. Still, marijuana is often abused by those who do not
medically require it.

Cannabis can be smoked, vaporized and even eaten if the THC is first rendered from the plant
matter. Examples of cannabis include:

 Marijuana leaves
 Hashish
 Hash oil
 Cannabis-based medicines, such as Sativex

Risks of Cannabis Abuse

Despite being one of the most widely used types of drugs, cannabis abuse can destroy lives and
have both short- and long-term impacts, including:

 Lowered immunity to illness

 Depression
 Chronic anxiety
 Reduced sperm count in men
 Sedation
 Slowed reaction times
 Enhanced senses, such as seeing brighter colors
 Impaired sense of time
 No matter the type, all drugs have the potential to be dangerous. It is important to talk to
your loved ones about drugs and how these substances can negatively impact their lives.
We offer a number of free resources to help facilitate discussion, including our
comprehensive Drug Index A-Z.

 If you or a loved one struggles with drug abuse and addiction, we can help. The Recovery
Village offers comprehensive, compassionate addiction treatment programs led by licensed
medical professionals. Contact our helpful representatives to learn more, get your questions
answered and start your road to lifelong recovery.