{"id":89140,"date":"2024-05-31T20:23:22","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tratamientodelasadicciones.org\/?page_id=89140"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T11:07:09","slug":"types-of-addictions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tratamientodelasadicciones.org\/en\/types-of-addictions\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of drugs and addictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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There are many types of drugs<\/strong>, but the most useful classification is based on their effect on the central nervous system: those that slow it down (depressants), those that speed it up (stimulants) and those that alter perception (hallucinogens or perception-altering drugs). On top of these come non-substance addictions, such as gambling. Here is a general overview and, further down, a specific guide to each addiction.<\/p>

Types of drugs and their effects<\/h2>

A drug is any substance that, once in the body, changes the way the brain works and can lead to dependence. Being legal or available from a pharmacy does not make it harmless: alcohol and some medicines are among the substances that cause the most problems.<\/p>

Depressants<\/h3>

They reduce the activity of the nervous system. At first they relax and lower inhibitions; in larger amounts they cause drowsiness, clumsiness and, in serious cases, dangerously slow breathing, especially when combined with one another. This group includes alcohol<\/strong>, opioids<\/strong> (heroin, morphine and drugs such as fentanyl) and sedative psychotropic medication<\/strong>, such as benzodiazepines. If there is dependence on alcohol or benzodiazepines, they should not be stopped suddenly without medical supervision.<\/p>

Stimulants<\/h3>

They speed up the nervous system: they increase energy, euphoria and a sense of confidence, and suppress sleep and appetite. Afterwards there is usually a comedown, with tiredness, irritability or low mood. This group includes cocaine<\/strong>, amphetamines and methamphetamine, as well as nicotine. Their main risks include heart and circulation problems, anxiety and sleep disturbances.<\/p>

Hallucinogens and perception-altering drugs<\/h3>

They change perception, thinking and emotions. This group includes LSD, magic mushrooms and ketamine, and in many classifications also cannabis<\/strong>, which also has sedative effects. They can cause intense anxiety, confusion or psychotic episodes, especially in vulnerable people.<\/p>

Synthetic drugs<\/h3>

They are made in laboratories, such as MDMA (ecstasy) or the so-called new psychoactive substances. Many combine stimulant and perception-altering effects, and it is hard to know what they really contain, which adds to the risk. We explain this in designer drugs<\/a>.<\/p>

Other ways of classifying them<\/h3>