ILLEGAL DRUGS: TYPES, CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTS - ARTE - 2025

The illegal drugs are drugs that have restrictions of use or ownership by the government, and are illegal in certain situations. Countries have different laws on different drugs and there are also international treatments. However, the most common drugs in society are legal.

Surprisingly, most drugs were not created for recreational purposes as they are currently used. On the contrary, its effects were discovered almost accidentally. In order to find better and better medicines, scientists have observed throughout history how certain substances act in animals and humans. Many of these substances were marketed for their beneficial effects.

However, over time it was common to discover hidden symptoms that could be dangerous or cause dependency. At the same time, healthy people began to abuse some of these substances for the pleasure or relaxation they felt, ignoring their risks.

For this reason, these substances are currently outlawed. However, drug use continues to be a major public health problem that not even legal limits have been able to resolve.

Types of illegal drugs

1-Marijuana

Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug. However, in some countries it is beginning to legalize either for recreational use or for therapeutic purposes.

It is normally considered a soft drug since it does not seem to produce physical or chemical dependence, although it does produce psychological addiction. On the other hand, it is known that it can produce changes in the central nervous system in some cases.

Marijuana consists of the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the hemp plant, called Cannabis sativa. This plant contains a chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active principle in cannabis, which is what produces the effects.

It can be consumed pure smoke or mixed with tobacco in cigarettes or pipes. Although it can also be ingested by mixing it with food (in a cake, biscuits or infusions).

When this substance is smoked, THC travels rapidly from the lungs into the bloodstream. Through the blood, this chemical reaches the brain and other organs.

The brain already has natural THC receptors, but receiving so much of this substance produces an overactivation of the brain areas that have more receptors of this type.

This causes symptoms such as altered sense of time, changes in mood (such as euphoria and easy laughter), relaxation, decreased pain, impaired memory, difficulty solving problems, distortion of the senses (such as increased sensitivity), lack of motor coordination, etc.

Its prolonged use can have negative consequences, especially if it begins to consume during adolescence. For example, in this case there is deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory, learning and reasoning. A decrease in intelligence quotient scores has also been found (Johnston et al., 2015).

Other derived problems are respiratory disorders, mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia or anxiety) in prone people, increased suicidal thoughts, amotivational syndrome, lower performance and satisfaction with life, etc.

Hashish

Block of hashish. Source: Anonume

Another way to obtain THC is through the resin of the marijuana plant. This form of presentation is known as hashish, and it is a dark brown paste that can be very adulterated.

Its effects are similar to those of marijuana, although it appears to be more addictive and more harmful than marijuana when adulterated with other substances.

2-Cocaine

The highly addictive stimulant drug cocaine that comes from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). It is illegal to grow, process, sell or consume it. Although it has a limited and controlled use as an anesthetic for some types of surgery.

It consists of a white powder that is normally inhaled through the nose, although it can also be injected if it dissolves first.

Cocaine works by altering dopamine levels in the brain, specifically in the mesolimbic reward pathway. This means that it simulates the feeling of euphoria we get when we get a very valuable reward, even accentuates it.

The symptoms that the consumer has when under its effects are euphoria, a feeling of security and strength, disinhibition, increased heart rate, sleep disturbance and anxiety.

Often times, after using cocaine, people can feel irritable, violent, hostile, and paranoid. Once the effects subside or wear off, the opposite reaction arises: depression, apathy, and the need to consume more.

In the long term, it produces important consequences such as destruction of nasal tissues (if inhaled), damage to the kidneys, lungs and liver; deterioration in the circulatory system, hallucinations, sexual dysfunctions, infertility, dental damage, irritability, delusions, depression, and even psychosis or schizophrenia.

Crack

Crack rocks. Source: DEA

Within cocaine, there is crack. It is a derivative of it, it has a much lower cost; and it is made up of a mixture of cocaine-free base with baking soda.

Cocaine base paste

It is often confused with cocaine base paste (bazuco or paco), the leftover residue from cocaine that is usually processed with kerosene and sulfuric acid. They usually mix it with ether, chloroform, and other substances.

These last two derivatives are smoked and produce effects similar to cocaine, but much less lasting and generates more serious complications.

3-MDMA

Also known as "eme" or "ecstasy", it is a synthetic drug whose boom began in the 70s and 80s. Little by little it became illegal in almost all the countries of the world due to its dangers and health consequences, since it can lead to death.

It is mainly consumed orally by pills, tablets or powder. It produces alterations in the nervous system, increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain.

The effect usually appears about an hour after having been ingested, and consists of: euphoria, well-being, disinhibition, connection and intimacy with others, dilation of the pupils, increased body temperature, decreased sleep, muscle tension and bruxism.

However, this substance has a series of effects that can last up to a week after consuming it. For example: irritability, depressive symptoms, impulsivity, anxiety, memory problems, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), lack of sleep, etc.

If used for a long time, it has been linked to brain damage, as the excessive increase in serotonin can be neurotoxic (causing imbalances and damage to the nervous system).

4-Amphetamines or speed

They are very addictive synthetic drugs, stimulants of the central nervous system. It was first synthesized in 1887, although medical experimentation with this substance emerged in the 1920s.

At first it was used by the military to overcome fatigue and increase alertness. Later, in the 40s and 50s, it was used for a wide variety of medical conditions such as ADHD, obesity, depression, etc.

In fact, it can still be legally obtained by prescription. Outside of the medical prescription it is illegal to consume it since it has many complications and causes addiction.

It is currently used for therapeutic purposes (legally), or illegally for recreational purposes or enhancing athletic performance. They are mainly consumed orally, rubbed on the gums or inhaled through the nose.

This substance works by promoting the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, neurotransmitters that produce pleasant effects.

The symptoms of amphetamines are: euphoria, disinhibition, activation, increased concentration, improved memory, a sense of self-control, resistance to fatigue and regulation of appetite.

Its abuse can cause amphetamine psychosis, which arises from psychic exhaustion. The person who suffers from it usually has persecutory delusions, that is, they believe that others are going against them or what they do is to harm them. It can be accompanied by depression, hallucinations, and irritability.

5-Heroin

Heroin is one of the most powerful drugs, since it causes great physical and psychological dependence in a short time. It is a pain reliever derived from the "poppy" plant, and works as a central nervous system depressant.

It was first synthesized at the end of the 19th century, with the aim of creating a substitute for morphine that would treat pain, but without causing as much addiction.

From the 60s to the 90s, its consumption rose alarmingly, causing the death of thousands of young people. It was considered a serious epidemic. Contemplating its dangerous consequences, its manufacture, possession and sale was made illegal.

Due to the thought of rejection that has been generated in the following generations to this drug, its consumption has decreased significantly since then.

Its presentation consists of a white powder that contains adulterants. It is normally dissolved and administered intravenously, although it can also be inhaled.

The effects it produces are: immense pleasure, euphoria, lack of perception of pain, and strong sedation. These effects gradually disappear after 2 or 3 hours.

Once the person is addicted, it causes malnutrition, weight loss, digestive problems, constipation, anemia, lack of interest, depression, attention disorders, insomnia, alteration of menstrual cycles, etc.

6-Phencyclidine or PCP

PCP. Source: Public domain from

Also known as "angel dust," this drug emerged in the 1950s and was used as an anesthetic. However, it was discontinued due to side effects such as delusion and confusion. It is currently an illegal substance.

It is a white, crystalline powder that dissolves in water or alcohol. Although other polluting substances are often added to expand it and sell it illegally, so it can take a brownish tone.

It can be taken orally or inhaled. It affects various brain areas and different receptors. It is known, for example, that it works as an antagonist of the NMDA receptors in the brain producing symptoms.

It is considered a hallucinogenic drug because it produces hallucinations; and dissociative, for causing disorientation and loss of sense of identity.

The person may feel that he is isolated from the environment, disconnected from himself, and with a feeling of unreality. You may also have a feeling of strength, amnesia, numbness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, lack of coordination, rapid eye movements, and exaggerated gait.

In some users it can have negative effects such as anxiety, a feeling that they are going to die, paranoia, hostility, or psychosis. Also, if the doses are too high, it can cause seizures, coma, or death (from accidental injury or suicide).

7-LSD

LSD impregnated paper. Source: Erik Fenderson

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a semi-synthetic psychedelic drug that is characterized by its hallucinogenic effects.

At first it had a psychiatric use, but in the 1960s, young people belonging to the counterculture began to use it for recreational purposes. Therefore, it is currently an illegal drug, although in some cultures it has spiritual and religious connotations.

It is ingested orally, and its presentation is usually liquid (in drops) or impregnated in blotting paper, gelatin or sugar cubes. It takes effect after approximately half an hour of ingestion and these can last up to 12 hours.

Its main effects are hallucinations and perceptual illusions, synesthesia (hearing colors, seeing sounds…), distortions of feelings, alterations in consciousness, experiencing a peak state of understanding of the world and of oneself, etc.

It has been shown that this drug does not produce physical dependence and is not toxic when used very occasionally. Although in certain cases it can cause delusions, paranoia and anxiety.

8-Ketamine

Ketamine 3D molecular structure. Source: Benjah-bmm27

In its beginnings it was used as a general anesthetic for veterinary use, although it was also used in children and the elderly.

However, a small dose of this drug was found to produce dissociative and hallucinogenic experiences. Currently its use is increasingly restricted in some countries, being exclusively for veterinary use or under medical prescription.

Usually its presentation is in powder form, and it is snorted or ingested; although it can also be liquid, to be injected intramuscularly.

It acts in the human brain by acting as an antagonist of NMDA receptors, and at high doses, it binds to opioid and muscarinic receptors.

It gives rise to a wide variety of symptoms that last for about two hours. Such as sedation, a sensation of floating, numbness of the limbs, amnesia, lack of perception of pain… As well as hallucinations and elevated blood pressure.

On the other hand, it generates a feeling of being close to death, making the person feel that they are leaving their body. This is called the "K hole."

Its chronic consumption can cause severe depression, strong anxiety, memory problems and cognitive deterioration.

9-Popper

Popper tails. Source: UK Home Office

It is a liquid chemical compound called amyl nitrite. It was discovered in 1852 and was intended to be used for medical purposes, as it is a powerful vasodilator. It also appeared to be useful in treating cyanide poisoning.

However, in the 70s it began to be consumed for recreational purposes, becoming very popular among homosexual men. It is currently an illegal drug.

It is a colorless liquid with a strong odor that is usually presented in a bottle, and is consumed by inhalation. Its effects appear very quickly, but only last a few seconds. These are: dizziness, feeling of pleasure, increased sexual arousal, relaxation of the sphincters, tachycardia, loss of balance, etc.

It is not exactly known whether it has a mechanism of action in the brain, although its prolonged use has been found to cause neurological damage (Linden, 1990).

10-hallucinogenic mushrooms

There is a wide variety of mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, two illegal substances due to their psychoactive properties.

The most commonly consumed mushrooms are psilocybes and fly agaric. They are usually ingested dry by mouth, in a very small amount (0.5 - 1.5 grams).

In principle, it seems that they do not produce any type of addiction, and the symptoms vary according to the amount consumed. These range from slight perceptual distortions, such as seeing bright lights or colors, to complex hallucinations and even disconnection with reality and mystical experiences.

The experience also depends a lot on the mood of the person, the environment in which they are, their expectations and personal situation.

If these conditions are not suitable, a "bad trip" may appear. This is characterized by a very unpleasant and terrifying experience, which can be accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and psychosis.

It is rare that it causes other complications, long-term health problems, or toxicity. However, it is not recommended in people prone to developing psychiatric disorders because these types of drugs can trigger them.

References

1. A to Z guide to common drugs. (sf). Retrieved on November 11, 2016, from Family lives.
2. Illegal Drugs. (sf). Retrieved on November 11, 2016, from Narconon.
3. Johnston L., O'Malley P., Miech R., Bachman J., Schulenberg J. (2015). Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use: 1975-2015: Overview: Key Findings on Adolescent Drug Use. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan.
4. Ketamine. (sf). Retrieved on November 11, 2016, from Wikipedia.
5. Linden, CH (1990). "Volatile substances of abuse". Emerg Med Clin North Am 8 (3): 559-78.
6. What Are The Top 10 Most Addictive Illegal Drugs? (2015, February 15). Obtained from Summit Behavioral Health.
7. What is marijuana? (March 2016). Obtained from National Institute of Drug Abuse.
8. What is phencyclidine? (sf). Retrieved on November 11, 2016, from Drugs.com.