Tag: Psychoactive substances

According to sources like Visual Capitalist and Frontiers in Psychiatry, caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance on a global scale. However, this single fact only scratches the surface of the complex issue of what is the most widely used drug. The answer depends heavily on the context, including legal status, location, and purpose of use.

Archaeological evidence proves that the human use of medicinal plants dates back over 60,000 years, with Neanderthal remains containing traces of yarrow and chamomile. The question, **what drugs did ancient people do**, reveals a rich history of substances used for healing, rituals, and altering consciousness across various civilizations.

According to addiction treatment experts, drugs are typically classified into four major categories based on their effects on the central nervous system. This provides a useful framework for understanding what are the 4 main drugs: depressants, stimulants, opioids, and hallucinogens, and how they impact the body and mind. While these classifications are broad, they help distinguish the primary actions and associated risks of many common substances.