Abused Drug Categories

How are drugs classified?

Drugs and medications of abuse can be grouped together into categories based on similarities between:

How they work.
What effects they will produce in the human body and brain.

A useful categorization scheme follows. We'll consider each class of drugs in turn, but if you want to, you can skip ahead to read about the particular drug class that interests you most.

Central Nervous System Depressants

Alcohol
Barbiturates ['ludes, sleepers, downers, tranquilizers]
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Librium, Xanax, Ambien) [sleepers, downers, tranquilizers]

Central Nervous System Stimulants

Cocaine (Crack, Blow, Nose, Snow, Toot, White, Rock, Flake)
Amphetamine & Methamphetamine (Ritalin, Meth, Uppers, Bennies, Crank, Crystal)
Caffeine (Coffee)
Nicotine (Cigarettes, Chew)

Opiates

Heroin (Horse, Junk, Smack, Snow, "H", Brown, Black)
Morphine
Codeine (OxyContin, Tylenol with Codeine)
Methadone, LAAM
Hydrocodone
Oxycodone
Percocet
Tramadol
Vicodin

Cannabinols

Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health Needs

Explore Your Options Today

Marijuana (Marinol, Pot, Grass, Weed, Brick, Joint, Thai Stick, Mary Jane)
Hashish (Hash, Ganja, Rope)

Hallucinogens

LSD (Acid)
Mescaline (Cactus)
Psilocybin, ('Shrooms, Mushrooms)
MDMA (Love Drug, "X", Ecstacy)

Inhalants

Aerosol sprays
Glues
Paint Thinner
Gasoline

Other Drugs of Abuse

PCP (Angel Dust)

Additional Resources

As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services.

BetterHelp Online Therapy - BetterHelp offers online therapy services from licensed professionals through an easy-to-use website and app. To get matched with a virtual therapist, complete a brief questionnaire online or start get started with a 20% off your first month today.
ReGain Online Therapy - Online couples counseling has never been easier, thanks to ReGain. Their licensed therapists specialize in helping couples improve communication skills to resolve conflict in healthy ways. Get matched with a relationship counselor today.
Teen Counseling Online Therapy - Teen Counseling is a leading provider of online therapy for teens. Teens can communicate with their therapist via video, phone, messaging and live chat. Find the right teen counselor for your needs.
Talkspace Online Therapy & Psychiatry - Licensed therapists and psychiatrists are available for virtual sessions via Talkspace. From virtual counseling to medication management services, Talkspace online therapy may be covered by your insurance provider. Simply fill out a brief assessment online to save $100 and match with a licensed therapist today.

MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from the above-listed companies should you choose to use their services.

Myndfulness App

Designed to Help You Feel Better Daily

Download Now For Free

Learn More >