All substances that we put into our bodies can be classified as drugs. This includes things like, tea and coffee (which contain caffeine), medicines that are prescribed by doctors, alcohol and illegal drugs. There are 3 main types that all substances can be grouped into. These are:
- Depressant
- Stimulant
- Hallucinogen
Depressants (eg, alcohol, heroin, methadone, tranquillisers, solvents)
These work by depressing the central nervous system and slowing everything down including thoughts, speech and the body.
Stimulants (eg, caffeine, ecstasy, speed, cocaine, crack)
These work by speeding up the central nervous system and make everything seem as if it is going faster, including thoughts, speech and the body.
Hallucinogens (eg, LSD, cannabis, ketamine)
These alter the way a person sees, hears and feels things, causing hallucinations and confusion.
All illegal and some prescribed drugs are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Drugs are placed into 3 different categories, Class A, Class B and Class C, according to the harm associated with them. This takes into account risks to physical and mental health, withdrawal reactions and harm that misuse may bring to families and society. Class A drugs include heroin, cocaine and ecstasy, Class B includes amphetamines (speed), and Class C drugs include Cannabis and benzodiazepines (tranquillisers).
