Drugs are an integral part of everyday life for many individuals, whether the drugs are used for legitimate medical purposes or recreationally.
Substance-related disorders can arise when drugs that directly activate the brain’s reward system are taken for the feelings of pleasure they induce.
The pleasurable sensations vary with the drug.
The drugs are divided into 10 different classes based on the different effects they produce in the body:
- Alcohol;
- Antianxiety and sedative drugs;
- Caffeine;
- Cannabis (including marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids);
- Hallucinogens (including LSD, phencyclidine, and psilocybin);
- Inhalants (such as paint thinner and certain glues);
- Opioids (including fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone);
- Stimulants (including amphetamines and cocaine);
- Tobacco; and
- Other (including anabolic steroids and other commonly abused substances).
Mental Health Matters 