All substances with the following characteristics are known as drugs:

  • Substances carried to the brain via the bloodstream, modifying our natural state.
  • Continued drug use can create tolerance, the need to consume larger and larger quantities of the substance to get the same effect.  Drugs also create dependency:  if you are dependent on a drug you need to consume to avoid the physical withdrawal symptoms, and to be able to face your daily life psychologically.
  • Substance abuse can lead to physical, psychological and social disorders..

Drugs are classified in relation to their effect on the central nervous system:

  • Depressors: alcohol, opiates, hashish, marijuana, tranquilizers, ketamine, GHB (liquid ecstasy)
  • Stimulants: MDMA (Ecstasy), speed, cocaine, trippies

Drugs can be consumed various ways: smoked, as hashish, marijuana, tobacco; orally, alcohol, or synthetic drugs; snorted, cocaine or speed; inhaled, glue; or injected, heroin.