Which drugs have which effects?
Adolescence is a period of discovery when you might be tempted to try all kinds of new things, including drugs. But each drug has specific effects, and this article will help you better understand them to make an informed choice if you decide to take them.
Differents types of drug
There are 3 basic kinds of drugs, classified according to their effects on the central nervous system.
Hallucinogens
They cause disorientation (difficulty locating oneself in time and space) and change how the senses work (for example, sight and touch).
Some examples: cannabis, magic mushrooms, LSD, MDMA, PCP, ketamine
Depressants
These drugs numb the brain and slow down the body’s functioning. Some of them can also distort perception.
Some examples: alcohol, GHB, heroin
Stimulants
In general, these drugs cause excitation and agitation.
Some examples: amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine
Unpredictable effects
The consequences of drug taking depend mainly on the combination of the substance (its nature, its purity, the amount absorbed, how it was taken, the time to eliminate it from the body), the individual (his/her tolerance for the drug, consumption habits, weight, height, general health, emotional state before taking the drug), and the context (place and people around).
Bad trips
A bad trip often takes the form of incoherent speech and an intensification of the emotional state the person was in before he/she took the drug (sadness, anxiety, depression). It is recommended that you try to calm the person down, take him/her to a quiet, dimly lit place, and wait for the effects to wear off. Don’t hesitate to contact an emergency service such as Info-Santé, the CLSC, or the Poison Control Centre if you need help or information.
Blackouts
Blackouts often involve short-term memory loss (forgetting what happened the day before) and mood changes. They happen after serious intoxication with alcohol or some hallucinogens. It is recommended that you try to calm the person down, take him/her to a quiet, dimly lit place, and wait for the effects to wear off. Don’t hesitate to contact an emergency service such as Info-Santé, the CLSC, or the Poison Control Centre if you need help or information.
Overdoses
An overdose means that too much of the drug is present in the body. Reactions differ depending on the type and amount of drug absorbed but also based on the person’s physical and psychological condition, or the specific context they are in. An overdose can cause death. It requires emergency help because the person could stop breathing. It’s critically important to call an ambulance or get to a hospital fast.
Mixing drugs
There are so many drugs and possible combinations that it’s impossible to accurately list all the effects and consequences. But you need to remember that alcohol should not be taken with most medications or recreational drugs, and that any combination of drugs can trigger major complications. In some cases, mixing drugs can even lead to heart failure.
Effects on sexuality
In low doses, drugs may enhance desire and arousal and delay orgasm somewhat. In high doses, however, they can decrease desire, cause erectile dysfunction in men and lubrication problems in women, and lead to an inability to reach orgasm. They can also cause you to do things you wouldn’t normally do because you’re no longer able to respect your own limits or make other people respect them.
