Categories of Drugs and their Effects

Running head: CATEGORIES OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS
Categories of Drugs and their Effects
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CATEGORIES OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS 2
Categories of Drugs and their Effects
Introduction
There are three main categories of drugs. These are stimulants, depressants and
hallucinogens. The classification is done depending on their action and effect on the brain
and the central nervous system. Most drugs will fit in to one or more of the categories
mentioned above. This section will look at each of the three categories of drugs. The
physical, physiological symptoms and the process of addiction will be discussed. As the word
suggests, depressants slow down/inhibit the normal functioning of the central nervous system
(Edlund et al, 2015). These drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs. Physical
symptoms include inability to maintain the right posture while walking (staggering), the
blood pumping occurs at a decreased rate (low blood pressure), breathing occurs in a way that
is slower than normal, feeling sleepy/drowsy. In high dosages the person may be very
lethargic and appear drowsy. Psychological symptoms include appearing absent minded (they
have lower concentration spans), the reaction time is likely to be very low which makes the
person to look confused, forgetfulness and poor/illogical judgements/conclusions.
Depressants lead to addiction through affecting the neurotransmitters involved in depressing
the activity of the central nervous system leading to addiction (Rudd, Aleshire, Zibbell and
Gladden, 2016).
Stimulants seem to exhibit characteristics that the exact opposite of those of
depressants. They cause the brain and nervous system to be excited (stimulated) which leads
to an increase in attention and activity of the body. Stimulants include substances such
caffeine and cocaine. It follows that some stimulants are legal (e.g. caffeine) while others are
not (e.g. cocaine). The physical effects include an overwhelming/intense feeling of happiness
(being extremely excited), attention improves greatly, one becomes extremely sociable, an

CATEGORIES OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS 3
increase in sexual desire and performance, breathing process is easier and the appetite is
reduced. In addition to these the heart pumps at a relatively higher rate (leads to increased
blood pressure), one may feel agitated, there may be body tremors and body temperature may
rise to levels above the normal. Psychological side effects include experiencing
hallucinations, having anxiety that never seems to end, being paranoiac and may lead to
depression with long term use. Stimulants lead to production of the neurotransmitter
dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that stimulates euphoria and therefore one becomes
excited. With prolonged use however, one develops tolerance (they need more to achieve the
same effect). This is how addiction results. The withdrawal symptoms may be detrimental.
Hallucinogens is a term used to refer to a group of drugs that influence/ affect
perception (Seth, Scholl, Rudd and Bacon, 2018). These drugs make the users have a
perception that is not real about their environment. For instance, one may see images have
sensations that are not real (hallucinations). Physical symptoms associated with hallucinogens
include an increase in the heart rate, anorexia (supressed appetite), hallucinations, difficulties
sleeping, increased perspiration and movements that are not coordinated. Long term use may
also result to slurred speech and reduction in body weight. Psychological symptoms include
loss of memory, depression and one having suicidal thoughts. Most hallucinogens interfere
with the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin. Addiction occurs due to development of
tolerance for the drug. This means that more must be used to achieve the same effect.
Robin Williams and Drug Use
Robin Williams was famous American actor whose many have described as a very
talented comedian. While this is true, his story of battling with drug addiction seems to be a
perfect illustration of how drugs can impair the health and well being of an individual. Being
a celebrity, one may assume that he could hide his addiction. However, drug abuse and use