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A Classification of Drugs
According to a survey conducted by CBS NEWS, over 22.5 million Americans used illegal drugs in the year 2011. "The good news is that we are not powerless against this problem. By emphasizing prevention and treatment, as well as smart law enforcement efforts that break the cycle of drug use, crime and incarceration, we know we can reduce drug use and its consequences in America”(“U.S Drug Abuse”). Even though we see drug use around us all the time, it’s crazy to see how high the numbers actually are. “The highly publicized drug use of role models such as movie stars and professional athletes, the easy availability of some illegal drugs, and peer pressure all play a role in the decision to use drugs.” In some cases the motive is just to try something new. Genetic factors may also affect some people to be more susceptible to drugs and to become addicted to them (Feldman 150). Three categories of drugs include depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. The first category of drugs is referred to as depressants. The characteristics of this group include lowering anxiety, reducing pain, and relieving stress. For instance, “Depressants slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system, slowing down the communication between the two” this causes all the pain and stress a person is feeling to be masked (“The Three Categories”). Next, examples of depressants are alcohol and barbiturates. These drugs are central

2 nervous system depressants that slow down brain functioning and circulation (Peugh). Neither one of these depressants are good, the combination of alcohol and barbiturates could be deadly. A second category of drugs is known as stimulants. People looking for a quick adrenaline rush characterize this group. For example, the most common legal stimulants are coffee and caffeine. On the other hand, the most common illegal stimulants are cocaine and amphetamines (Feldman 151). Also, most users of stimulants become addicted to them, and go through heavy withdrawal when they are without them (Sweeney). This addiction could go anywhere from coffee to cocaine. A third category of drugs is hallucinogens. Individuals who are looking for a quick high characterize this group. To illustrate, the most common hallucinogen is known as marijuana, a plant whose active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol known as (THC) (Feldman 158). Other hallucinogens are LSD and magic mushrooms. Specifically, these terrible drugs make people see and hear things that really do not exist (“Hallucinogens”). After researching, most sources say people anywhere from 11-50 use hallucinogens regularly. Depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens are the three main categories of drugs. It’s evident that as the years go by drug use in teenagers has drastically increased. A survey taken by US News in 2012 released data that stated over forty-four percent of high school students know fellow students who sell drugs at their school. Also,