Illegal drugs are substances not legally prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy. Often called "street drugs," these substances carry significant health risks and are prohibited by law.
Types of Illegal Drugs
Numerous substances fall under the umbrella of illegal drugs. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Stimulants: Cocaine (including crack cocaine), methamphetamine (meth, crank, speed)
- Opiates: Heroin (smack, junk, dope), illicit fentanyl
- Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, ecstasy (MDMA), magic mushrooms
- Depressants: Rohypnol (roofies), GHB
- Cannabis: Marijuana, weed, pot, skunk
- Other: Ketamine, inhalants
The specific categorization of a drug as legal or illegal can vary across jurisdictions. Furthermore, some substances, such as opioids, have both legal (prescription) and illegal forms. The illicit nature arises from the unauthorized production, distribution, or possession of the substance.
Dangers of Illegal Drug Use
The use of illegal drugs poses severe health risks, including addiction, overdose, and various long-term health consequences. The potency of some illegal drugs, like fentanyl, is especially dangerous, often leading to accidental overdose when mixed with other substances. For example, drug dealers frequently mix fentanyl with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, significantly increasing the risk of overdose for users unaware of the presence of fentanyl.
Sources like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offer extensive information on the dangers and effects of specific illegal drugs.
