According to Medline Plus, drug abuse is the cause for many social problems. People who abuse drugs have a tendency to break the law. Many of these people don't see the actions as causing a problem, because they aren't officially addicts. One doesn't have to be addicted to drugs to have a problem.
Marijuana or Hashish
Marijuana is one of the most popular illegal drugs people use. The active chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This chemical is what gives the person the feeling of being high. The drug can either be smoked or eaten. Marijuana causes a feeling of euphoria, but also causes a slowed reaction time and impaired motor skills. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, psychological dependence can occur if marijuana is used for a long period of time.
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
A barbiturate is a type of medication that brings on a sense of well-being. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are medications that are intended to bring anxiety levels down. These drugs can be taken orally, injected or sniffed. The Mayo Clinic describes effects of these drugs as fatigue, memory problems and coordination problems.
Stimulants
Stimulants include methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. This type of drug brings the heart rate up and gives the user increased energy and higher alertness levels. When this drug is used in amounts that are too high or for a long period of time, serious heart complications will occur. Loss of appetite and severe weight loss are also common with stimulant abuse. This drug can be taken orally, injected, sniffed or smoked.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens include drugs such as LSD and mescaline. These drugs can make the user feel euphoric and giggly. They also cause the person to hallucinate and have a completely altered state of perception. Most hallucinogens are swallowed; however, mescaline can also be smoked.
Inhalants
Inhalants are chemicals that are concentrated and breathed in to get high. Some of the most common inhalants are gasoline, spray paint, nitrous oxide and butane. This type of abuse can bring on the feeling of stimulation or confusion. It can also leave the person with a loss of coordination. It is possible for a person to die from abusing an inhalant the very first time it is used. When this abuse occurs for a long period of time, irreversible brain damage, lung damage and nerve damage could occur.
