Recreational Drugs
Recreational drugs are typically psychoactive (psychotropic) and/or intoxicating substances that induce an altered state of consciousness, often used for pleasure or other purposes. The use (often called abuse) or sale of these drugs is typically illegal but often socially acceptable to some degree but equally, dependence or addiction are not.
Possible causes for use include;
- pleasure
- curiosity
- self-medication
- rebellion
- boredom
- a sense of belonging/community
- cultural and social influences (peer pressure, social media etc.)
- delinquency
Most of these drugs fall into one of three categories, detailed next. As you'll find when reading the articles in this section, most come with significant health and safety risks, particularly when consumed on a regular basis in high doses or with other drugs (recreational or otherwise).
Depressants
Also known as downers, these are central nervous system depressants that in most cases decrease brain cell electrical activity, neurotransmission levels, or arousal or stimulation of one or more areas of the brain. This typically results in a decreased heart rate and blood pressure and reduced attention, motivation, cognition and physical performance. Some of these substances are prescription medications.
Depressants may influence mood positively (opioids) or negatively (alcohol). Nearly all depressants are addictive. High doses of or combining multiple depressants may lead to respiratory depression (aka hypoventilation).
- alcohol
- antihistamines
- barbiturates
- benzodiazepines (benzos)
- cannabis - except in high doses, actually increases heart rate
- carbamates (tranquillisers, muscle relaxants)
- gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) - except in low doses
- nonbenzodiazepines
- opioids (morphine, ...)
- quinazolinone (ludes, disco biscuits)
Stimulants
Also know as uppers, these are central nervous system stimulants that in most cases increase brain cell electrical activity, neurotransmission levels, or arousal or stimulation of one or more areas of the brain. This typically results in an increased heart rate and blood pressure and enhanced attention, motivation, cognition and physical performance. Some of these substances are prescription medications.
Stimulants may influence mood positively (opioids) or negatively (alcohol).
- amphetamines (benzedrine)
- caffeine (coffee, tea)
- catha edulis (Khat)
- cocaine, crack cocaine
- ecstasy (MDMA, molly)
- ephedrine
- ketamine
- MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine)
- MMDA (3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 5-methoxy-MDA)
- mephedrone
- methamphetamine (meth)
- methylphenidate (ritalin)
- modafinil
- nicotine
- Phenylpropanolamine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Modafinil
- Pitolisant
Hallucinogens
These classifications are not universally agreed.
Psychedelics
- 2C-B (2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine)
- DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
- LSD (acid)
- Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine)
- Psilocin (4-HO-DMT)