Other Drugs (Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Inhalants)

Stimulants

Also known as “uppers,” the primary use of stimulants is to increase energy, concentration, and wakefulness.

  • Prescription stimulants: Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin
  • Illicit stimulants: Cocaine, Methamphetamine (Meth)

For more information, please visit: https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/. 

meth

Depressants

More commonly referred to as “downers,” Depressants create feelings of relaxation and tiredness. While many serve legitimate purposes in the fight against mental illness and sleep deprivation, they are very commonly abused because they may also create feelings of euphoria. Depressants are not only some of the most highly addictive drugs, but they are also some of the most dangerous and likely to cause overdose. Examples include:

  • Alcohol
  • Opiates/Opioids (Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription Drugs)
  • Barbiturates (i.e. Fiorina®, Pentothal®)
  • Benzodiazepines (i.e. Valium®, Xanax®)
depressants

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens alter the user’s perception of reality often through auditory and visual hallucinations, a process known as “tripping.” Although Hallucinogens are generally less addictive than other drug classifications, their immediate impacts are generally more severe and dangerous.

  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • MDMA (“Ecstasy” or “Molly”)
  • Ketamine (“Special K”)
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD or “Acid”)
  • Psilocybin (“Magic Mushrooms”)
  • Mescaline or Peyote

For more information, please visit: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/hallucinogens/

MDMA

Inhalants

Inhalants are a vast range of chemicals that are ingested primarily by breathing them in (huffing). Most inhalants are commonly used materials that are in no way designed to be ingested by humans. While there is incredible variety between inhalants, most produce feelings of a high. Inhalants are less studied than most other drugs. While they tend to be less addictive than many other substances, the use of Inhalants is incredibly dangerous and causes many serious health effects. Examples include:

  • Solvents: paint thinner, gasoline, nail polish remover
  • Aerosols: hair spray, spray paint
  • Gases: whipped cream dispensers (“Whippets”), chloroform, propane tanks

For more information, please visit: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/inhalants/

inhalants

Local Data

In the 2018 Madison County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Report, student usage of methamphetamines (2%), inhalants (3%), steroids without a doctor’s prescription (2%) and prescription drugs (i.e. OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Codein, Adderall, Ritalin or Xanax) without a doctor’s prescription (7%) were the same as or lower than on the 2014 TAP Survey.

Patients admitted to Madison County hospitals related to drug overdose were higher in 2020 and 2021 (147 and 136 respectively) after a downward trend from 2016 to 2019. With 40 hospitalizations, the first quarter of 2022 marks the highest number in the same quarter of previous years.

Overdose Hospitalizations in Madison County Hospitals by quarter (2016-2022). 
Source: Health Commerce ESSS Data Export. 

Page Sources: 

  1. Addiction Center, Drug Classifications. https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/drug-classifications/. 
  2. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. https://www.dea.gov/.