Chemical Classifications
Most widely abused substance across most of the world, including the U.S.
Alcohol
Create feelings of relaxation and tiredness. Slows down brain activity and the central nervous system, leading to calming and sedative effects.
Depressants
Fewest regulations and lowest penalties of any federal drug classification. Lower potential for abuse and addiction than other drugs.
Schedule V (5)
Codeine, Fentanyl, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone & Ritalin are all examples of this drug classification.
Schedule II (2)
Effects of this drug class include: Increase alertness, energy, focus, euphoria, increase heart rate & blood pressure, reduce appetite, insomnia.
Stimulants
Can be man-made or synthetic. Acts on receptors in the brain, sometimes mimicking the effects of neurotransmitters. Another well-known, most used substance.
Opioids
Increase energy, concentration and wakefulness. Said to "provide a rush."
Stimulants
Most regulations and harshest penalties of any drugs. Have no legitimate accepted medical use and are high risk for abuse.
Schedule I (1)
Lorazepam, Tramadol, Valium & Ambien are all under this drug classification.
Schedule IV (4)
Effects of this drug class include: Altered perceptions of reality, vivid visions, strong emotions, distorted sense of time and space, increased heart rate & blood pressure, nausea.
Hallucinogens.
Interacts with neurotransmitter GABA-A. Prescribed to treat a wide variety of psychiatric and sleep conditions, but are commonly misused.
Benzodiazepines
Often can results in auditory or visual hallucinations. Generally known to be less addictive, but their immediate impacts are generally more severe and dangerous.
Hallucinogens
Schedule IV (4)
Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Lasmiditan & many cough/cold syrups fall under this classification.
Schedule V (5)
Depressants.
Most widely abused drug after alcohol that is gaining legal acceptance. Chemically similar to tetrahyrocannabinol, the active ingredient in Marijuana.
Cannabinoids
Commonly used materials that are in no way designed to ever be ingested by humans.
Inhalants
Have a legitimate medical use but have the highest potential for abuse and addiction.
Schedule II (2)
Ecstasy, Methamphetamines, Peyote, Mescaline, Quaaludes and GHB fall under this classification.
Schedule I (1)
Effects of this drug class include: slurred/distorted speech, lack of body control, euphoria, dizziness, hallucinations.
Hallucinogens
Slow down central nervous system. Still used today primarily fir anesthesia and treatment of conditions like epilepsy.
Barbiturates
Alcohol, Opiates and Barbiturates are referred to as...
Depressants
Have a legitimate medical use, have lower abuse potential than other drugs, and a moderate to low potential for addiction.
Schedule III (3)
Buprenorphine, Ketamine, Vicodin, Butalbital & Anabolic Steroids fall under this classification.
Schedule III (3)
LONG TERM Effects of this drug class include: weight loss, cardiovascular problems, organ damage, tissue/cartilage damage, gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, changes in brain chemistry and development of metal health disorders.
Stimulants.