Stimulants

They accelerate the functioning of the nervous system, inducing euphoria and a state of intense activation. They also cause tachycardia, insomnia, reduced feelings of hunger and tiredness. These include amphetamines, speed, cocaine, nicotine, etc.

Psychedelic drugs

They seriously alter the perception of the senses, leading to strong hallucinations and very intense experiences known as ‘trips’. This group includes LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, etc.

Empathogens

These are substances that induce emotional experiences characterised by empathy, happiness, psychedelia. MDMA (Ecstasy), methylone, mephedrone or 6-APB are of this type.

Dissociative drugs

Their primary function is to be used as an anaesthetic. They produce a distortion of perceptions, leading to a feeling of isolation or dissociation from the environment or one’s own body. Nevertheless, the effects can vary considerably depending on the substance and the person. Examples of this group are ketamine, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), methoxetamine or PCP.

Opioids

Also known as narcotics. They produce analgesia, euphoria and well-being, and are highly addictive. These include heroin, methadone, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, tramadol, etc.

Cannabinoids

Substances derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. They produce, among other effects, drowsiness, relaxation, lethargy, mental slowness and difficulty in coordination. This group includes cannabis, hashish, THC, CBC, etc.

Adolescence

The use of these substances during adolescence is even more harmful, as the nervous system is still developing and the person has not yet reached either physical or mental maturity. This use can affect brain maturation, interfere with cognitive and emotional development, and increase the propensity for risky behaviour. In the long term it can be associated with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.