Classifications and Categories of Drugs

Classifications and Categories of Drugs.

. Some drugs are grouped together on the basis of how they are used and how they are abused. Within a group, the chemical structures are typically similar, as are the physiological effects. Four examples of classes based on use and abuse are predator drugs, club drugs, human performance drugs, and inhalants..

Predator Drugs. Also known as date-rape drugs and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) agents, these substances are used to incapacitate a victim for sexual purposes. Current date-rape drugs, aside from alcohol, are ketamine, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and related compounds. When the drug is mixed in a drink, the effects can range from disorientation to unconsciousness and loss of short-term memory. Victims may awaken several hours after an assault with no memory of the event or the few hours leading up to it. Consequently, they may delay seeking treatment until the drug and metabolites are no longer detectable by traditional toxicological methods..

Club Drugs. Party drugs are a group of stimulants and hallucinogens. They are often used by young people in an attempt to enhance a party, festival or concert experience. However, dozens of users become seriously ill or die after using party drugs each year..

Inhalants. Unlike the other groups of drugs listed in this section, inhalants are substances that are inhaled to produce their desired effects. Most inhalants are not intended to be used as drugs. Examples of inhalants are paint thinners, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), gasoline, cleaners, and nail polish. Any substance that has a volatile component can be used as an inhalant, and in general, these substances have depressant effects similar to those of alcohol..

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