Illegal Drugs: The Most Important Types

1. Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the most consumed illegal drugs in the world. Its main active component is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time and reality, as well as memory and motor coordination problems. Long-term use of marijuana can cause psychological dependence, affect cognitive function and cause respiratory problems.

2. Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It causes a feeling of intense euphoria, increased energy, mental acuity and appetite suppression. However, its consumption carries serious risks such as tachycardia, hypertension, insomnia, paranoia, anxiety, irritability and in extreme cases, it can cause strokes or heart problems.

3. Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It produces a feeling of euphoria, pain relief and drowsiness. Heroin use can lead to rapid physical and psychological addiction, as well as serious side effects such as respiratory depression, tolerance, severe withdrawal syndrome, infections, and the risk of lethal overdose.

4. Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines are stimulants that increase the activity of the central nervous system and produce an intense feeling of euphoria, increased energy and decreased appetite. Methamphetamine use can cause mental health problems such as psychosis, agitation, paranoia and aggressive behavior, in addition to physical effects such as increased blood pressure, tachycardia, insomnia and weight loss.

5. LSD

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood and thinking. Produces intense visual effects, sensory distortions and psychedelic experiences. LSD use can cause episodes of panic, anxiety, depersonalization, paranoid thoughts, and dangerous hallucinations. In the long term, the use of this drug can trigger persistent psychotic disorders.

6. Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a stimulant and hallucinogenic drug that increases the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, causing feelings of happiness, empathy and euphoria. However, ecstasy can also cause dehydration, hyperthermia, tachycardia, confusion, anxiety, depression, and brain damage. Frequent use of ecstasy can lead to memory problems, insomnia and emotional disorders.

7. Crack

Crack is a form of cocaine that is smoked in small stones and produces an immediate and powerful effect on the central nervous system. It causes an intense feeling of euphoria, hyperactivity, increased energy and appetite suppression. Crack is highly addictive and its consumption carries serious risks such as lung damage, seizures, psychosis, paranoia and risk of overdose.

8. DMT

DMT is a fast-acting hallucinogen that produces intense visual experiences and alterations in the perception of time and space. Taking DMT can cause vivid hallucinations, sudden emotional changes, confusion, and disorientation. Although the effects of DMT are usually temporary, its inappropriate consumption can trigger psychotic episodes and anxiety attacks.

9. Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that produces analgesic, sedative and hallucinogenic effects. It is also used recreationally for its psychoactive properties. Ketamine use can cause loss of motor control, disorders of consciousness, feelings of separation from the body, hallucinations and urinary problems. Continued use of ketamine can trigger dependence, tolerance and damage to the bladder.

Conclusion

It is essential to be informed about the different types of illegal drugs and their characteristics to understand the associated risks to its consumption. These substances can have devastating effects on people's physical, mental and emotional health, as well as cause irreversible damage to the lives of those who consume them. Prevention, education and support are key tools to address the problem of illegal drugs and promote the health and well-being of society as a whole.