Types Of Psychotropic Drugs

By Author: Jill Cohen
Total Articles: 79
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Psychotropic drugs affect a person's central nervous system and cause changes in your behavior or the perception of the world. Many of these substances are illegal but even something seemingly harmless as caffeine has been term a psychoactive drug.

There are four major groups of this type of drug. The major classifications are depressants, stimulants, anti-psychotics, and hallucinogens. Different types of drugs can be a part of more than one category like being both a hallucinogen and a stimulant. Some drugs alter the moods of the user. Antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines are often used as a part of psychiatric treatment. To help reduce depression or anxiety, doctors may prescribe antidepressants or tranquilizers. People with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may have to use mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs to treat their disorder.

There are many depressants and stimulants that can become very addicting. Morphine, a depressant has been used to relieve severe pain. However, morphine is highly addictive and is hard to withdraw from if used for a prolong amount of time. Some drugs have experienced ...
... a bad reputation over the years because of their recreational use. Marijuana has many beneficial medical uses. Many people with cancer and AIDS have found that it is helpful with reducing pain and stimulating their appetite. However, we are only now considering its benefits in traditional medicine. Some states in within the US are seeing the importance of this drug in the medical community and have passed legislations lifting the ban on it for medical use.

No matter what category the psychotropic drug you are using is in, the all have possibly serious consequence for misuse. You must use these drugs under the direct supervision of your medical doctor or psychiatrist. Abusing any of these substances can cause serious and irreparable damage to your body and mind. You can overdose on many of these substances and even die. Many people have lost their jobs, families, and freedom because they decided that they could handle using these drugs without assistance. Many people who weren't able to adjust without these substances have had to enter rehab or detox facilities in order to clean themselves up. These drugs should only be used in conjunction with a valid medical condition and under their direction.

Learn more about Ecstasy Effects and Depression And Alcohol .