Top 10 Illegal Drugs and Their Effects

Legacy Healing Center Blog

What Are the Top 10 Illegal Drugs?

As a trusted rehab center, we understand the importance of educating people about the dangers of drug use. It is important to know what the top 10 illegal drugs are as well as their effects to better recognize when help is needed. By understanding the effects of using illegal drugs, you can make informed decisions about your health and seek treatment if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.

What Are Illegal Drugs?

Illegal drugs refer to substances that are prohibited by law and are not legally available for use, possession, or distribution. These drugs can have a range of harmful effects on the human body, including physical, mental, and emotional damage. The use of illegal drugs can also lead to addiction and other negative consequences such as legal problems, financial difficulties, and strained relationships. It is important to understand the risks associated with illegal drug use and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling and needs addiction treatment.

It’s good to know what drugs are illegal from use for the sake of avoiding health and legal problems. Here is a list of illegal drugs that are commonly used:

Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a commonly used drug that is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Its active ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects. Short-term effects can include altered perceptions, impaired coordination, and increased appetite. Long-term use can lead to memory and attention problems, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of mental health disorders.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. It is often snorted, smoked, or injected and can cause a feeling of euphoria and increased energy. Short-term effects can include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and constricted blood vessels. Long-term use of cocaine can lead to addiction, heart disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Heroin

Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked and is highly addictive. Short-term effects can include a feeling of euphoria, slowed breathing, and a reduced sense of pain, while long-term use can lead to addiction, infections, and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a stimulant drug that can be snorted, smoked, or injected like cocaine. It causes a feeling of increased energy and euphoria. Short-term effects can include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and reduced appetite. Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to addiction, tooth decay, and mental health issues such as anxiety and psychosis.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a synthetic drug that causes a feeling of euphoria and increased empathy. It is often taken in pill form and can cause short-term effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and dehydration. Long-term use can lead to addiction, memory and attention problems, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

LSD

LSD, also known as acid, is a hallucinogenic drug that is typically taken in tab form or as a liquid. It causes a feeling of altered perceptions and can lead to visual and auditory hallucinations. Short-term effects can include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased body temperature while long-term abuse can lead to flashbacks and persistent changes in perception.

Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive form of cocaine that is smoked. It causes a feeling of euphoria and increased energy. Short-term effects can include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and constricted blood vessels. Long-term use can lead to addiction, heart disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

PCP

PCP, also known as angel dust, is a dissociative drug that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It causes a feeling of detachment from reality and can lead to hallucinations and delusions. Short-term effects can include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and decreased coordination. Long-term use can lead to memory and attention problems, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative drug that is used as an anesthetic in medical settings. It can cause a feeling of detachment from reality and altered perceptions. It is often abused as a recreational drug and can cause short-term effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and impaired coordination. Long-term use can lead to addiction, memory and attention problems, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Bath Salts

Bath salts are a group of synthetic drugs that can cause a feeling of increased energy and euphoria. They can be snorted, smoked, or injected and can cause short-term effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and hallucinations. Long-term use can lead to addiction, memory and attention problems, and mental health issues such as psychosis.

Achieve Complete Sobriety from the Top 10 Illegal Drugs With Legacy Healing Center

Now that you know more about the top 10 illegal drugs, we hope you’re better prepared to reach out for addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one. At Legacy Healing Center, we offer a range of treatment options including detox, therapy, and aftercare support. Our experienced staff is dedicated to helping you overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

To learn more about our treatment center, contact us today and speak with one of our trained intake specialists.