Lesson 3:
DRUGS OF
ABUSE
Drugs of Abuse are substances that
are taken for non-medical purposes
and often lead to physical,
psychological, and social problems.
They can cause addiction,
dependence, and harmful effects
on the body and mind.
6 Classifications
of Drugs
1. Gateway drugs
In simpler terms: it’s often the
first drug a person tries, which
may increase the likelihood of
experimenting with or becoming
dependent on stronger
substances later on.
1. Gateway drugs
Common Examples of Gateway Drugs:
Alcohol – lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment.
Nicotine (cigarettes, vapes) – highly addictive and
often first tried at a young age.
Cannabis (marijuana) – sometimes linked to
progression to harder drugs, though this is debated.
👉 In short: Gateway drugs don’t always lead to harder
drug use, but studies show that many people who
abuse stronger drugs started with these substances.
Key Points about Gateway Drugs:
They are usually mild or legal substances that
young people are more likely to try first.
Using them may increase the risk of
experimenting with stronger, illegal drugs
later on.
They create curiosity, lower fear of trying
drugs, and sometimes cause tolerance,
making people seek stronger effects.
Definition: Drug from the cannabis
plant used for medicinal or
recreational purposes.
Effects: Relaxation, altered senses,
increased appetite.
Examples: Marijuana, Hashish, THC
products.
2. Depressants drugs
Depressant drugs are substances that slow down
the activity of the brain and nervous system. They
are sometimes called “downers” because they make
a person feel relaxed, calm, or sleepy.
👉 In medicine, they are often used to treat anxiety,
stress, and insomnia.
👉 However, when misused, they can cause
drowsiness, poor coordination, slower reaction
time, memory problems, and even dependence or
overdose.
Definition: Drugs that slow down
brain activity and body functions.
Effects: Induce relaxation,
sleepiness, but may cause
impaired judgment.
Examples: Alcohol, Barbiturates,
Benzodiazepines.
3.Stimulants drugs
Stimulant drugs are substances that speed up the
activity of the brain and nervous system. They are
sometimes called “uppers” because they make a
person feel more alert, energetic, and awake.
👉 In medicine, they can be used to treat ADHD,
narcolepsy, or sometimes depression.
👉 But when abused, they can cause nervousness,
rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and addiction.
Examples: caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines
(like Adderall), and methamphetamine.
3. Stimulants
Definition: Drugs that increase
alertness, attention, and energy.
Effects: Raises heart rate, blood
pressure, and breathing.
Examples: Examples: caffeine, nicotine,
cocaine, amphetamines (like Adderall),
and methamphetamine.
4. Narcotics (Opioids)
Narcotics (Opioids) are drugs that relieve pain,
cause drowsiness, and can produce a feeling of
euphoria (being “high”). They work by blocking
pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.
👉 Medical use: prescribed to treat severe pain (like
after surgery or for cancer patients).
👉 Risks when abused: can cause drowsiness,
nausea, confusion, slowed breathing, strong
addiction, and overdose.
4. Narcotics (Opioids)
Definition: Drugs that relieve pain
and induce sleep.
Effects: Strong pain relief,
drowsiness, high risk of addiction.
Examples: Morphine, Heroin,
Codeine, Opium.
5.Hallucinogens are a category
of drugs that affect the brain in a
way that alters a person’s
perception of reality. They can make
someone see, hear, or feel things
that are not really there—this is
what we call hallucinations.
5. Hallucinogens
Definition: Drugs that alter
perception, thoughts, and feelings.
Effects: Cause hallucinations,
distorted reality, mood swings.
Examples: LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA),
Psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
6. Inhalants are
substances that people breathe in
(inhale) to experience mind-
altering effects. These are usually
common household or industrial
products that give off chemical
vapors.
6. Inhalants
Definition: Substances inhaled to
produce mind-altering effects.
Effects: Short euphoria, dizziness,
possible brain damage.
Examples: Glue, Paint thinners,
Gasoline, Aerosol sprays.
