Comprehensive Drug Types and Effects: Stimulants, Sedatives, Opioids, Hallucinogens

Amphetamines

Stimulants known as 'uppers'

Cocaine

Fast-acting drug (30 mins) with a pure, hard low and longer lasting effects. 2nd most addictive amphetamine.

Meth

Slower acting, considered dirty, and can boil the body and brain.

Adderall

Used for ADHD, has a slow effect and helps with concentration at low doses.

Nicotine

Fast-acting (15-30 mins) with a bad low that causes brain 'zapping' and inability to concentrate. 1st most addictive amphetamine.

Caffeine

Slower acting, replaced coke, and is the least stimulating.

Dopamine + norepinephrine

Neurotransmitters associated with euphoria, excitement, joy, and energy. Caused by amphetamines.

Sedatives

Calm the user and was originally used for surgery.

Barbiturates

Used in the 1950s by housewives, known for bad long-term effects. Used as anesthesia.

Benzodiazepines

Includes Xanax (brand) and Terazepam (generic), highly addictive.

Opioids/Narcotics

Includes Heroin (smoked or injected) and Fentanyl, which can be 50-100x more potent.

Morphine

Legal form of heroin used for pain relief.

Euphoria

Associated with oxytocin and dopamine, providing pain control.

Hallucinogens

Includes natural plants like shrooms, which are psychologically addictive and destroy motivation and memory.

PCP

Chemically made hallucinogen. Causes superhuman strength, aggression, mania, and violence.

LSD

Chemically made hallucinogen. Causes panicking. Psychedelic.

Increases serotonin + dopamine receptors

Hallucinogens

Disrupts serotonin -> directly affects sensory input

LSD

Dopamine + norepinephrine released

Amphetamines

Increases GABA

Benzodiazepines

Indirectly affects dopamine + releases oxytocin

Opioids/Narcotics