Substances that are not stimulants include depressants (such as alcohol and benzodiazepines) and hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin). These substances work on the central nervous system in different ways compared to stimulants.
The job of detoxifying many substances is the job of the liver. The liver itself can be damaged by doing this process.
Stimulants and depressants affect the central nervous system in different ways; stimulants increase activity and alertness, while depressants slow down brain function and can induce relaxation or sedation. The body’s response to these substances is complex and can lead to varied effects based on dosage, individual physiology, and context. Rather than completely counteracting each other, they can produce unpredictable interactions that may enhance certain effects or create new, potentially harmful outcomes. Thus, using both substances simultaneously can be risky and should be approached with caution.
Most hallucinogens are controlled substances in the US because of their alleged potential for abuse. though if not taken responsibly can lead to bodily harm or death. Some have limited application in medicine and research. All Tryptamine Hallucinogens were made illegal along with LSD some time during the 60s.
Stimulants (such as caffeine) can decrease reaction times by increasing alertness and speeding up cognitive processes. Depressants (such as alcohol) can impair reaction times by slowing down the central nervous system and affecting coordination and decision-making abilities. Both types of substances can have a significant impact on reaction times depending on the dose and individual tolerance.
(1) The most commonly used illegal drugs are hallucinogens (marijuana, magic mushrooms, LSD, PCP, salvia, mescaline, peyote), Ecstasy (which is both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen), speed (amphetamines or methamphetamines), ketamine aka Special K (which is an animal tranquilizer), opiates (heroin, morphine, hydrocodone aka Vicodin, oxycodone/oxycontin, hydromorphone, fentanyl, codeine), cocaine (and crack, which is essentially a diluted, easier-to-smoke form of cocaine), and benzodiazepines (like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Mirtazapine). Some of these drugs -- Valium, Xanax, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine -- are not illegal if prescribed by a doctor [Limeaid]; (2) A recent taxonomy of psychoactive drugs has been provided by Prof Fiona Measham and Dr Russell Newcombe in What's So New About New Psychoactive Substances? Definitions, prevalence, motivations, user groups and a proposed new taxonomy- In Kolind, T., Thom, B. and Hunt, G., The SAGE Handbook of Drug & Alcohol Studies, Volume 1, Sage (2017). Briefly, this model classifies psychoactive drugs by 4 levels into (a) classes (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens), (b) families - inebriants, analgesics, sedatives (depressants), euphoriants, eugeroics, entactogens (stimulants), cannabinoids, psychedelics, dissociatives (hallucinogens); (c) chemical groups (35 across 9 families), and (d) specific drugs across 35 groups (100s of them).
Stimulants, such as caffeine and amphetamines, typically increase heart rate and breathing rate by stimulating the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and energy. In contrast, depressants, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, generally slow down these functions, resulting in a decreased heart rate and reduced breathing rate as they induce relaxation and sedation. The overall impact of these substances can vary based on dosage and individual response.
Psychoactive substances are substances that act on the central nervous system to produce changes in mood emotion perception or consciousness. These substances can be either naturally-occurring or man-made and can be taken either in the form of drugs food beverages or supplements. Psychoactive substances can be divided into the following categories: Stimulants These substances increase alertness energy and focus and can include caffeine nicotine and amphetamines. Depressants These substances reduce alertness energy and focus and can include alcohol barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Hallucinogens These substances cause intense changes in perception and can include LSD MDMA and psilocybin. Analgesics These substances reduce pain and can include opioids such as morphine and codeine.The effects of psychoactive substances can vary greatly depending on the type dose and route of administration. Some substances can produce pleasurable effects while others can cause adverse reactions or even be fatal.
Various substances can alter the central nervous system (CNS), including drugs like alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens. These substances interact with neurotransmitter systems, leading to changes in mood, perception, and behavior. For example, opioids can produce pain relief and euphoria, while stimulants like cocaine can increase alertness and energy. Long-term use of these substances can lead to significant alterations in brain function and structure, potentially resulting in addiction and other neurological issues.
When a drug has a chemical effect on the body and mind, it is typically referred to as a psychoactive or psychotropic substance. These substances can alter mood, perception, cognition, and behavior by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitter systems. Examples include antidepressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
drugs of abuse Hallucinogens.
Synthetic drugs are artificially created substances designed to mimic the effects of natural drugs, often altering mood, perception, or behavior. They can range from stimulants and depressants to hallucinogens, and their effects can be unpredictable due to variations in chemical composition. While some synthetic drugs are used for legitimate medical purposes, many are associated with significant health risks, including addiction, overdose, and severe psychological effects. Additionally, their production and distribution often occur outside regulatory oversight, increasing the potential for harm.