Common Substances of Abuse
1. Alcohol - Alcohol is a depressant drug, produced by the fermentation of fruits, vegetables orgrains, that helps to lessen inhibitions and to relax.
2.
'Marijuana' - which is a mixture of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, is the most commonly abused illicit drug.
3. Narcotics
4. Stimulants / Uppers - Stimulants, also known as Uppers or Speed, are a group ofdrugs that bring about feelings of increased alertness and physical activity, making the user seemingly less tired, mentally and physically
5. Depressants / Downers - Depressants are substances thatsoothe the excitable nervous system by calming the nerves and relaxing the muscles.
6. Hallucinogens / Acids - Hallucinogens are drugs that affect a person's sense of perception, sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. These drugs are obtained either naturally, or like LSD, from synthetic sources.
7. Steroids - Steroids are man-made substances that are related to male sex hormones. They are useful for muscle building (Anabolic) and to increase masculine (androgenic) characteristics . Athletes aspiring to enhance their performances and individuals wishing to improve their physical appearances generally abuse steroids.
8. Volatile solvents / Inhalants - These are a wide range of chemical substances like petrol, spray paints, glues, laughing gas, which give off vapors or gas at room temperature, that can produce an intoxicating effect.