This class of drugs not only relieves pain, but also slows the central nervous system. Drugs from this class depress the central nervous system and can induce sleep. Often people use drugs from this class to provide relief from feelings of tension and anxiety. In an adequate dose, sedatives can cause slurring of speech and a staggered gait. Stimulant drugs that are used non-medically include nicotine, caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines.
Stimulants can be natural, refined, or synthetic.
Chronic stimulant users may experience a wide range of shifting emotions, irritation, outbursts of anger, violent or assaultive behavior, paranoia, delusional thinking, visual and auditory hallucinations, or any combination of these symptoms. Hallucinogens Hallucinogenic drugs alter sensations and perceptions. Hallucinogens stimulate a shift in the perception of reality. These changes range from mild to wild. Sensation is the raw information from sensory organs that our nervous system sends to the brain.