Defining Drugs of Abuse
Drugs of abuse are substances, both legal and illegal, that are taken for reasons other than their intended medical purpose, or in larger amounts or more frequently than prescribed. The misuse of these substances can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), a diagnosable medical condition characterized by a pattern of compulsive use despite harmful consequences. This can involve illegal street drugs like heroin and cocaine, as well as the misuse of commonly prescribed medications such as opioids and stimulants.
Classifications and Examples of Drugs of Abuse
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their accepted medical use and potential for abuse or dependency.
Schedule I
These drugs have no currently accepted medical use in the United States and a high potential for abuse. Examples include:
- Heroin
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana (Cannabis)
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy/MDMA)
Schedule II
These substances have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence, though they have some accepted medical uses. Examples include:
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Adderall and Ritalin (stimulants)
Schedules III, IV, and V
These schedules include drugs with a decreasing potential for abuse and dependence. For example, Schedule IV drugs like Xanax and Valium have a low potential for abuse and are used to treat anxiety.
Common Categories of Abused Drugs
Beyond the federal scheduling, drugs of abuse are often discussed in terms of their pharmacological effects.
Opioids
This class includes heroin and powerful prescription painkillers like fentanyl and oxycodone. The euphoric feeling they produce can make them highly addictive. Misuse of opioids, often beginning with a prescription for pain, is a major public health crisis.
Stimulants
Stimulants accelerate the central nervous system, increasing alertness, energy, and heart rate. They include illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as prescription medications for conditions like ADHD (e.g., Adderall). They are often misused to boost performance or create a euphoric high.
Depressants
These drugs slow down the central nervous system and are often prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety. Common examples include benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) and barbiturates. Abuse can lead to confusion, poor coordination, and, especially when mixed with alcohol, a risk of coma or death.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), alter perception, mood, and thought patterns. While often having a lower potential for physical addiction, they can cause long-term mental changes and dangerous psychological effects like paranoia and flashbacks.
Other Substances
This category includes:
- Alcohol: The most commonly abused legal drug, leading to significant health and social problems.
- Inhalants: Volatile substances found in household products (e.g., paint thinners, spray paints) that can cause mind-altering effects and are extremely toxic.
- Cannabis (Marijuana): While now legal for medicinal or recreational use in many places, it remains a substance that can lead to misuse and dependence, especially when use begins early.
- Synthetic Drugs: Unpredictable and dangerous substances like synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, K2) and synthetic cathinones (bath salts) are often illegally manufactured and sold.
Dangers of Drug Abuse
The risks associated with drugs of abuse extend far beyond the immediate high. These substances can cause significant and lasting harm to the body and mind.
Health Consequences
- Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular events from stimulant use.
- Infectious Diseases: Higher risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis C due to risky behaviors, such as needle sharing.
- Organ Damage: Long-term abuse can lead to severe organ damage, such as liver cirrhosis from alcohol abuse or kidney damage from inhalants.
- Mental Health Disorders: Strong links exist between substance use and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Some people use drugs to self-medicate, but this can worsen the underlying condition.
Social and Behavioral Consequences
- Impaired Judgment: Use of intoxicating substances can lead to poor decision-making and dangerous behaviors, such as driving under the influence.
- Relational Problems: Abuse often strains relationships with family, friends, and partners, leading to conflict and isolation.
- Work and School Performance: Declining performance, absenteeism, and an inability to meet obligations are common signs of a substance use disorder.
Comparison: Stimulants vs. Depressants
| Feature | Stimulants | Depressants |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Speed up the central nervous system | Slow down the central nervous system |
| Common Examples | Cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall | Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), opioids |
| Short-Term Effects | Increased alertness, energy, heart rate, euphoria, paranoia | Relaxation, reduced anxiety, drowsiness, impaired coordination |
| Long-Term Risks | Heart damage, stroke, dental problems, anxiety, psychosis | Physical dependence, respiratory suppression, seizures during withdrawal, memory problems |
| Withdrawal Symptoms | Fatigue, depression, agitation, intense cravings | Tremors, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, potentially life-threatening seizures |
The Journey to Treatment and Recovery
Recognizing a problem with drug abuse is the critical first step toward recovery. A substance use disorder is treatable, and options often involve a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. Effective treatment should be personalized to the individual and address all aspects of their life.
- Detoxification: Medically supervised programs to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Behavioral Counseling: Therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps individuals identify triggers, change behaviors, and develop coping skills.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications like methadone and buprenorphine can help treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Support Groups: Peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a vital network of support and shared experience.
For more detailed information on different drugs and addiction, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Conclusion
What are considered drugs of abuse includes a wide array of substances, both legal and illicit, whose misuse can lead to significant physical, psychological, and social harm. The potential for abuse is a major factor in how substances are legally classified and highlights the importance of using medications as prescribed. Recognizing the signs of misuse and understanding the different categories of abused substances is crucial for early intervention. For individuals struggling with addiction, effective and comprehensive treatment is available and can lead to a successful, drug-free life.
