What types of drug are there?

There are four main groups of drugs, divided according to their major effects, plus a few substances that do not easily fit into any category.

• Stimulants (e.g. cocaine)
• Depressants (e.g. alcohol)
• Opium-related painkillers (e.g. heroin)
• Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD)

What are the examples of drugs?

• alcohol.
• tobacco.
• cannabis.
• methamphetamines (e.g. MDMA) and other stimulants such as cocaine.
• new psychoactive substances – synthetic drugs.
• opioids, including heroin.
• the non-medical use of prescription drugs.