Menu
Get Help Now!
(855) 628-2899
Skip to Section:
6 Types Of Psychoactive Drugs
Finding Help For Addiction
Psychoactive drugs are drugs that change your mental state. These drugs can cause intoxication, which impacts your mood, perception, and consciousness.
Many legal and illegal substances contain psychoactive properties, so it’s important to know the benefits and risks associated with these drugs.
6 Types Of Psychoactive Drugs
Common psychoactive drugs include:
- Depressants
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Marijuana
- Designer drugs
Depressants
Depressantsslow down the central nervous system. They typically cause people to feelsedatedand relaxed. Some people take prescribed depressants to help with sleep or anxiety. Others abuse these substances to get high.
- Benzodiazepinesinclude medications like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin.
- Sedative-hypnoticsinclude medications like Ambien and Lunesta.
- Barbituratesinclude medications like Nembutal and Luminal.
Alcohol is also a depressant. When you first drink, you may feel calmer and happier, but excess alcohol can cause slurring and processing problems. It can make your feelings of depression and anxiety worse.
Opioids
Opioidsalso act like depressants. When taken as prescribed, they can help people with moderate or severe pain. When abused, they can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.Opioids include drugs like:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Vicodin
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
The strength of each opioid varies, so it’s not always obvious how much you’re taking. And if you buy pills off the street, you never know exactly what you’re getting. For example, you may assume you’re buying Vicodin, but a dealer may lace the pill with fentanyl.If you stop taking opioids suddenly, you may experiencewithdrawal symptoms. These symptoms range in severity. You could feel sick for several days before your body starts to heal. During that time, you’re at risk of relapsing. That’s because you may experience intensified cravings. Most people benefit from a supportivemedical detoxduring this stage and then professionalopioid addiction treatmentonce the opioids are out of their system.
Stimulants
Stimulantsincrease brain activity. They enhance energy and alertness. Some people are prescribed stimulants for symptoms related to ADHD or narcolepsy. Common stimulants include:
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
When abused, stimulants can produce a euphoric rush, but a “crash” soon follows, making the user want to continue taking more drugs.Long-term abuse can result in several health complications, including:
- Tissue damage
- Stroke
- Heart attacks
Heavy stimulant users may develop withdrawal symptoms after stopping drug use. These symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Although stimulant withdrawal is not life-threatening,medical detoxcan help you feel more comfortable during this time.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogensinclude several drugs that alter your consciousness. Hallucinogens include drugs like:
- LSD
- Psilocybin
- DMT
- Peyote
- Ketamine
- DXM
Most people take these drugs orally. They might eat them or brew them into tea.
Hallucinogens disrupt the communication between brain chemical systems. When abused, these drugs can result in mood problems, sensory issues, and sleep disruptions. They can also trigger hallucinations and delusions. Sometimes people experience a “bad trip.” When this happens, they may feel stuck in a panicked state for hours or days. Afterward, they may endure flashback syndromes, where they relive the terror over and over again.
Marijuana
Marijuana affects how your senses perceive the world. The THC found in marijuana can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but it can also impair memory and cause coordination problems.
Designer Drugs
There are many different kinds ofdesigner drugs. Common ones include:
- Bath salts
- Spice/K2 (synthetic marijuana)
- MXE
- Flakka
- W18
These drugs are synthesized. That means they are manmade. Their chemical composition remains unknown. Because of that, it’s impossible to know what you’re actually taking when you take a designer drug. Often, manufacturers use many different chemicals to create these drugs.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Finding Help For Addiction
Whether you’re reading this article for yourself or someone else, there are many things you can do to fight back against addiction.
Start by:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
What drugs are causing problems? How have they affected your overall life? How long has the abuse lasted?
- Determining payment
Can you use your health insurance for treatment? Do you need to set up apayment plan?
- Determining additional issues
Are there any othermental or physical illnesses present? What other circ*mstances require support?
- Finding the motivation
Why do you want things to change? Why do you want to live a life free from addiction?
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
Call (855) 628-2899
Medically Reviewed by Jenna Richer, MSW, LCSW
As an expert in addiction treatment and mental health, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in the article about Footprints to Recovery. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of various therapeutic approaches, clinical services, and holistic interventions related to substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Therapy Services:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A therapeutic approach that focuses on accepting the difficulties of life and committing to making positive changes.
- Addiction Support Groups: These are groups where individuals with similar struggles come together for support and encouragement.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes acceptance and change, particularly for individuals with emotional dysregulation.
- EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a psychotherapy approach used to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
- Family Therapy: Involves family members in the therapeutic process to improve communication and address family dynamics.
- Group Therapy: A form of therapy where individuals share their experiences and provide mutual support.
- Marriage and Couples Counseling: Focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within relationships.
- Motivational Interviewing: A counseling approach that helps individuals find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives.
- Sand Tray Therapy: A form of expressive therapy using sand and miniature objects to represent thoughts and feelings.
- Seeking Safety Therapy: Designed to help individuals with trauma and substance abuse issues establish safety in their lives.
Dual Diagnosis Services:
- Addresses the co-occurrence of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Mental Health Treatment:
- Covers a range of therapeutic interventions for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders.
Holistic Services:
- Biosound Therapy: Integrates sound and vibrational therapy for relaxation and stress reduction.
- Meditation: A mindfulness practice for mental well-being.
- Neurofeedback: A type of biofeedback that aims to regulate brain function.
- Tai Chi and Yoga: Mind-body practices for holistic health.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Services:
- Involves the use of medications to support individuals in overcoming substance use disorders.
Case Management Services:
- Helps individuals navigate the various aspects of their treatment and recovery journey.
Programs:
- Encompasses different levels of care, including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient rehab, sober living, and telehealth.
Substance Use:
- Provides information on various substances, including heroin, cocaine, meth, prescription drugs, and alcohol.
Health Concerns and Risks:
- Discusses the health risks associated with substance abuse, overdose, withdrawal symptoms, and mixing drugs or alcohol.
Demographic Statistics:
- Offers statistical information related to substance use and its impact on different demographics.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive information on addiction treatment, therapy services, dual diagnosis, mental health treatment, holistic approaches, medication-assisted treatment, and various substance-related topics. This reflects a holistic and evidence-based approach to addressing the complex issues of addiction and mental health at Footprints to Recovery.
