The document outlines 6 classifications of drugs of abuse: 1. Gateway drugs which can lead to more dangerous drug use like marijuana. These include legal drugs like cigarettes and alcohol. 2. Depressant drugs slow the central nervous system and are sometimes prescribed for medical uses but can cause sleepiness. Examples are alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers. 3. Stimulant drugs speed up the central nervous system and have opposite effects of depressants. Examples include amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine. 4. Narcotics relieve pain and cause sleepiness and are sometimes prescribed for medical reasons but are also illicit. Examples include cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

1. THE SIX
CLASSIFICATIONS
OF DRUGS OF
ABUSE

2. 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.

4. 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.
• These drugs make patients feel sleepy
and light headed.
Examples are: alcohol,
barbiturates & tranquilizers.

5. 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
and tiredness.
Examples are amphetamines
(shabu, caffeine, nicotine,
cocaine)

6. 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
dangerous if taken.
• Examples are cocaine, heroin
and marijuana.

7. 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
illusions)
• Examples are: Lysergic Acid
diethylamide, psilocybin (obtained
from mushrooms and mescaline

8. 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.
• Abuse can lead to delusions, brain
damage, liver damage, comatose
and death.
• Examples are acetone, rugby
(solvent), spray paints, cleaning
fluids and air conditioner fluids
(Freon).

9. 6 CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS
ARE:
1.Gateway Drugs
2.Depressant Drugs
3.Stimulant Drugs
4.Narcotics
5.Hallucinogens
6.Inhalants

10. 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?