What Are the Seven Types of Drugs?

Key Takeaways

• Opioids relieve pain but pose a high addiction risk.
• Depressants induce relaxation yet have sedative dangers.
• Hallucinogens cause altered perceptions and other risks.
• Dissociatives lead to detachment and potential harm.
• Inhalants offer a quick high with various health risks.
• Cannabis acts as a psychoactive with medicinal and abuse potential.

What Are the Seven Types of Drugs?

There are seven different types of drugs, and pharmacologists categorize them based on how they affect the body. Some drugs slow down bodily functions, while others speed them up.

Each type of drug has its own set of characteristics and risks. Additionally, each of these drugs can be dangerous and highly addictive.

Here are the different types of drugs and what they do: 

• Stimulants: Increase activity in the central nervous system resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.
• Opioids: Powerful painkillers that provide a sense of euphoria, reduce pain, and cause drowsiness. It’s also typically used to treat people experiencing severe pain. 
• Depressants: Affect the central nervous system and slow it down. This can help people feel relaxed and is prescribed for anxiety or insomnia.
• ​​Hallucinogens: Disrupts brain activity and sensory perceptions, resulting in hallucinations. 
• Dissociatives: Interfere with the brain’s receptors for glutamate, a chemical responsible for cognition and emotionality, resulting in an out-of-body experience.
• Inhalants: Volatile substances that produce chemical vapors. These vapors can cause a feeling of euphoria or mind-altering effects. 
• Cannabis: Commonly known as marijuana. Cannabis is a drug that causes hallucinogenic and depressant-like effects.

Examples and Associated Risks

Not all of these drugs are illicit. Some can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, they’re even found in common household products.