Opiates (morphine, heroin and codeine) are analgesics (painkillers). Many drugs are used as medicine to help make sick people better. Drinking alcohol damages the liver ( cirrhosis). Many drugs cause long-term (long-lasting) health effects. Other drugs are difficult to overdose on (LSD, cannabis). Some drugs are easy to overdose on (heroin, alcohol, and aspirin). Overdose occurs when someone uses too much of a drug. They may be unable to safely drive or operate machinery. Intoxicated people may do dangerous things. Someone using drugs may get ' intoxicated'. Cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms ('magic mushrooms') do not cause death. Tobacco and alcohol can cause death, other drugs do not cause death. Some drugs cause many people to die every year. Health effects ĭrugs can have many effects on a person's health. Some Hindus use cannabis (containing THC and CBD) as part of their religious rites. Some members of the Native American Church use Peyote (a type of cactus that contains the drug mescaline). Some Christians use small doses of wine as part of their religious ceremonies. You can help Wikipedia by finding good sources, and adding them. (See 'Health effects of drugs' below)įor spiritual or religious reasons. Some people also use drugs because they are addicted. Some people use drugs to make themselves more productive or to help themselves stay awake, in this case they would use a stimulant such as amphetamines or caffeine. Some people might use drugs recreationally (for fun), these are usually controlled drugs. Some people use drugs as medicine if they are sick to help make them feel better.

Most laws against drugs are against psychoactive drugs. Why some drugs are illegal Ī country may want to stop drugs because of the negative effect on the people that use them, or because making the drug illegal will make the government more money.Ī psychoactive drug affects the brain. Court cases may result in fines (when a person is required to pay money to the government), prison, or in some countries execution. If the police find a person with drugs they are not allowed to have, the person may be taken to court. Other drugs are illegal, meaning a person is never allowed to have them. Some drugs are allowed only if you have permission (called a ' prescription') from a doctor. 5 Types of psychoactive drugs and their effectsĭrugs and the law Įach country and place has different laws for different drugs.2.1 For spiritual or religious reasons.

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