6 Classification of Drugs

Gateway

Gateway drug theory (alternatively, stepping-stone theory, escalation

hypothesis, or progression hypothesis) is a comprehensive catchphrase for
the medical theory that the use of a psychoactive drug can be coupled to an
increased probability of the use of further drugs. Possible causes are
biological alterations in the brain due to the earlier drug and similar
attitudes of users across different drugs (common liability). Scientific
investigation of the possible causes is considered important for health policy
concerning education and law making.
 Depressant Drugs

A depressant, or central depressant, is a drug that

lowers neurotransmission levels, which is to depress or
reduce arousal or stimulation, in various areas of the brain.[1] Depressants are
also occasionally referred to as "downers" as they lower the level of arousal
when taken. Stimulants or "uppers" increase mental and/or physical function,
hence the opposite drug class of depressants is stimulants,
not antidepressants. Depressants are widely used throughout the world
as prescription medicines and as illicit substances.
 Stimulant Drugs

Stimulants are drugs that speed up the activity of the central nervous system.
Stimulants are useful in treating many medical conditions, including ADHD,
narcolepsy, asthma, obesity, and depression. There are several types
of stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and
methamphetamines.
 Narcotics

The 1961 Convention exercises control over more than 116 narcotic drugs.
They include mainly plant-based products such as opium and its derivatives
morphine, codeine and heroin, but also synthetic narcotics such as
methadone and pethidine, as well as cannabis, coca and cocaine.
 Hallucinogen

Hallucinogenic drugs, also known as ‘psychedelics’, are drugs that change

the way a person perceives the world. Hallucinogens affect all the senses,
altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions.

Some examples of hallucinogens include:

 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide);

 PCP (phencyclidine);
 magic mushrooms (psilocybin);
 ketamine;
 mescaline (peyote cactus);
 morning glory seeds;
 datura.
 Inahalants

Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be
inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect. Although other
abused substances can be inhaled, the term "inhalants" is used to describe a
variety of substances whose main common characteristic is that they are
rarely, if ever, taken by any route other than inhalation.