Common Drug Types
There are many different types of drugs that can cause addiction. Some are initially prescribed by doctors, others are illicit club drugs, substances, designer drugs or even chemicals intended for household or other uses. Here are some of the most common groups:
Barbiturates
There are many different types of barbiturates (Ambien, etc) and they work by depressing the central nervous system. Sometimes initially prescribed by doctors to treat seizure disorders, insomnia and other problems, they often become abused. Users can build up a tolerance, requiring larger and larger doses to achieve the same effects as when they first began using. Overdose is a sad, and unfortunately, common effect. Common types of Barbiturates include:
- Luminal – is prescribed as an anticonvulsant medication but has also been used to help individuals with acute withdraw from benzodiazepines.
- Mebaral – used to relieve tension and anxiety, and on occasion used to help control seizures. Creates a calming effect which is why addiction happens so easily.
- Floricet – is a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine is typically used to relieve tension headaches.
Inhalants
Inhalants refer to gases, nitrites or solvents which are inhaled. Potential inhalants are all around us and include common household products such as nail polish remover, gasoline, glue, keyboard cleaners and aerosols. Common types of Inhalants include:
- Whippets – under the ‘gases’ category refers to whipping cream aerosols or dispensers. Other Gases include: butane lighters, propane tanks, hair spray, nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
- Solvents – these include paint thinners, degreasers, glues, felt-tip marker fluid (permanent markers)
- Nitrites - there are several, those available to the public (cyclohexyl nitrite), and those available by prescription only (amyl nitrite) and those considered illegal (butyl nitrite).
Stimulants
Stimulants boost alertness and increase activity in the central nervous system. Restricting blood flow making heart failure more likely, these drugs can be taken in tablet or capsule form, snorted, smoked or injected. Common types of Stimulants include:
- Amphetamines – synthetically made and usually prescribed for things like asthma, sleeping disorders or as an appetite suppressant, include brands like: Adderall, Dexedrine, and Dopamine.
- Methamphetamine – derived from amphetamines, made from inexpensive and easy-to-find ingredients makes this one of the more common drugs to be abused by people from all walks of life. Street names like: “speed”, “crystal” or “crank”.
- Cocaine – historically used as an anesthetic, now illegal because of how highly addictive and damaging to the body it is
- Methylphenidate (MPH) – used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and brain injury, include prescription drugs such as: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Methylin, and Methylin ER.
Depressants
Xanax and other similar drugs are highly addictive. The recovery process of prescription drug treatment for depressants begins with a medically assisted detoxification where medications reduce the discomfort of withdrawal and to ensure safety. Common types of Depressants include:
- Cannabis - also known as marijuana. Controversy rages on as to whether or not marijuana is addictive, however it is often believed to act as the "gateway" to the use of other substances.
- Benzodiazepines – typically prescribed to treat milder cases of anxiety, insomnia or before anesthesia either intravenously or by syrup, known as: Xanax, Valium, Doral, Restoril and others.
Narcotics (Opiates)
All narcotics are derived from opium or opium synthetics and are the easiest drugs to get addicted too since most of them are pain relievers. These can be taken orally, via patches (through the skin) or by injection. Common types of Narcotics include:
- Heroin - Heroin addiction is difficult to treat, even within a heroin rehab center with a successful record of treatment. Treatment works, but it takes time - there are no quick and easy fixes. Our treatment programs provide social and emotional support to overcome the powerful and lasting cravings to use again.
- Opium – derived from the poppy and has been around for centuries; it is the main ingredient for most pain relievers on the market and is highly addictive.
- Morphine – people can quickly develop a tolerance, dependence and eventually addiction.
- Methadone – had with synthetic opium but produces similar effects as Heroin and is often used to help people addicted to Heroin. Sadly though, it is still on the streets as a standalone method to get high.
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