THE SIX

CLASSIFICATIONS
OF DRUGS OF
ABUSE
1. GATEWAY DRUGS
• Are legal drugs that a non-drug
user might try, which can lead
him/her to more dangerous drugs
such as marijuana and shabu.
• Teenagers who engage in early
smoking & drinking have higher
chance of using and
experimenting with dangerous
drugs of abuse.
2. DEPRESSANT DRUGS
• Slows down a persons central nervous
system (brain, spinal cord, nerves).
• Doctors commonly prescribe
depressants to help people who have
anger management issues, stressed or
tensed.
• Depressants relax muscles and nerves.
Examples are: alcohol,
• These drugs make patients feel sleepy barbiturates & tranquilizers.
and light headed.
 3. STIMULANT DRUGS
• Speed up a persons central
nervous system.
• Has the opposite effect of
depressants.
• Makes a person’s energy high
• Side effects are depression Examples are amphetamines
(shabu, caffeine, nicotine,
and tiredness. cocaine)
 4. NARCOTICS
• Are drugs which relieve pain
and induce sleepiness.
• These are prescribed to
patients with mental disorders
or with patients dealing with
severe pain like cancer.
• These drugs are illicit and • Examples are cocaine, heroin
dangerous if taken. and marijuana.
 5. HALLUCINOGENS
• Drugs which distort reality
and facts.
• Affects all senses; makes a
user feel, hear, see things that
don’t exist in the time being.
• Came from the word
hallucinate (to perceive
• Examples are: Lysergic Acid
illusions) diethylamide, psilocybin (obtained
from mushrooms and mescaline
6. INHALANTS
• Found in ordinary household
chemical products and anesthetics.
• Readily available and accessible to
young children
• Inhalant toxins are similar to those
of alcohol, the only difference is
the foul smell. • Examples are acetone, rugby
(solvent), spray paints, cleaning
• Abuse can lead to delusions, brain
fluids and air conditioner fluids
damage, liver damage, comatose
(Freon).
and death.
 6 CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS
ARE:
1.Gateway Drugs 4.Narcotics
2.Depressant Drugs 5.Hallucinogens
3.Stimulant Drugs 6.Inhalants
GUIDE QUESTIONS 
1. Why is it important to know the
classifications of drugs?
2. Do you think knowing the classification
of drugs will help us someday in our
lives?