Classification of Drugs and their effects

1. Alcohol Liquor – extracted from chemical compound as ethyl hydrocarbon; triggers central
nervous system and may damage vital human organs

Effects:
 Give a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibition
 A sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions
 Disrupted motor activity, motor skills, and coordination
 Deep intoxication that causes disturbance in bodily processes
 Dilated superficial blood vessels causing warm feeling
 Deep intoxication that can lead to coma and death
 Warning consciousness, causing mental dullness
 Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior

2. Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) – annual plant that grows wild in many temperate parts of the
world

Effects:
 Throat intoxication and coughing
 Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
 Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination
 Sleepiness and decreased physical activity
 Possible Chronic Bronchitis and asthma
 Feeling if excitement and friendliness
 Distortion of time and space perception
 Disturbance of brainwave activity, causing of impairment of skills leading to abnormal
behavior

3. Stimulants – drugs used to increase mental activity, relieve fatigue, increase alertness and offset
drowsiness.
Effects:
 Feeling of being stronger, more decisive, and self-possessed
 Extended wakefulness and increased mental alertness
 May include irritability, anxiety and fear
 Loss of appetite resulting in decreased body weight
 Pregnant women who abused shabu can cause mental retardation to their unborn
babies
 Loss of sexual desire and interest towards work
 Schizophrenia or split personality, leading to physical behavior
 Loss of memory by chronic users
 Chronic snorters from irritation of the nose leading to frequent nose bleeding
 Injecting shabu using dirty needles can lead to various infections such as Hepatitis B,
blood poisoning and AIDS
4. Cough Syrups – also called over the counter colds/cough preparations
a. Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine for nasal congestion
b. Chlorpheniramine maleate for allergic asthma, nocturnal cough
c. Dextromethorphan – cough suppressant; codeine has an anti-tussive effect

5. Depresssants – usually known as downers, act on the nervous system. Promoting relaxation and
sleep
a. Barbiturates
b. Mathaqualone

Effects:
 Calming and relaxing effect that promotes sleep
 Relief of anxiety and excitement
 Reduce mental and physical activity
 A marked decrease in breathing

6. Barbiturates – used to reduce the frequency of convulsions in epileptics

Effects:
 Unconsciousness and decrease in breathing
 Deepening unconsciousness leading to coma