Drug Types - Classification
Common Classifications
- The legal status of the drug is based on whether
they are subject to restrictions and controls.
- Drug's effect on the central nervous system.
Common Drug Types in Trinidad and Tobago
Drugs commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago
are categorised under two groupings, licit and
illicit.
In the case of licit drugs we refer to those
substances that are deleterious to the individual's
well being, but are still permissible to be used
usually with certain conditionalities or
restrictions.
By illicit drugs we refer to those substances that
have been defined in law as being in contravention of
the law.
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Licit (Legal)
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Illicit (Illegal)
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Drugs can further be divided into broad categories
- Depressants - drugs, which act on the central
nervous system and slow down brain activity i.e.
alcohol, tranquillizers, gases,
aerosols and glue.
- Stimulants - these drugs cause an unmistakable
euphoria and sense of well-being that is the basis of
addiction. They also cause stimulation of movement,
which is the reason for their name, by acting on the
central nervous system and increasing the brain
activity e.g. cocaine, speed,
poppers, anabolic steroids,
ecstasy and tobacco.
- Hallucinogens - drugs that change one's thought
processes, mood and perception, distorting the way
users see and hear things, e.g. LSD, magic
mushrooms, cannabis and
ketamine.
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