By : Mr. Rushan bin Mazly

Drugs or illegal substances come in different shapes and sizes. Learning and knowing the types of drugs may help us prevent from misuse of drugs or drug addiction. Let us together learn and recognise what are drugs, not only for our safety but also for our loved ones.

• Stimulants
  Stimulants are synthetic drugs made from chemicals which can react with our Central Nervous System (CNS).

These are the impacts of stimulants:
Short-term: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy, but can also cause anxiety, restlessness, or aggression.
Long-term: Risk of addiction, heart problems, mental health issues like paranoia, and physical exhaustion.
Behavioural: Poor decision-making, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms.

There are three types of stimulants with their street names:
Amphetamine (Kuda, WY, Yaba)
Methamphetamine (Ice, Syabu, Sejuk, Batu)
MDMA (Ecstacy, XCT, Goyang)

• Opioids
  Opioids are from opium which is a type of plant known as Papaver Somniferum that is processed into morphine and codeine.

These are the impacts of opioids:
Short-term: Pain relief, drowsiness, and euphoria, but may cause nausea, slowed breathing, and confusion.
Long-term: Physical dependence, addiction, liver damage, and an increased risk of overdose.
Behavioural: Impaired judgment, withdrawal symptoms, and social isolation.

There are four types of opioids with their street names:
Opium (Black Stuff, Opium Madat, Tar)
Morphine (‘M’, White Powder, Monkey, Morpho, Pokteh)
Heroine (Fit, Fun, Tepung, Cik Putih, Barang, Penang, Pink)
Opiates (Fizzies Dollies)

• Kratom
  Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa Korth was used traditionally to cure disease. This substance can lessen muscle strain and increase energy to do heavy work for a short period.

These are the impacts of kratom:
Short-term: Enhanced energy, improved mood, or sedation. However, it may cause nausea, dizziness, or irritability.
Long-term: Risk of dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and potential liver damage with prolonged use.
Psychological: Altered mental states, anxiety, or confusion with high or frequent doses.

There are three types of kratom:
Green Vein Kratom
Red Vein Kratom
White Vein Kratom

• Inhalants
  Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapours, which, when inhaled, can induce psychoactive effects.

These are the impacts of inhalants:
Short-term: Dizziness, euphoria, nausea, and impaired judgment. Overuse can cause unconsciousness or sudden death.
Long-term: Damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Prolonged misuse may lead to memory loss, hearing problems, or psychological issues.
Social and Behavioural: Neglect of responsibilities, social isolation, and risk of addiction.

There are four types of inhalants:
Aerosol
Gases
Nitrites
Volatile Solvents

• Hallucinogens
  Hallucinogens are substances that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, often causing users to see or experience things that are not real. They affect the brain's communication pathways, especially serotonin levels.

These are the impacts of hallucinogens:
Short-term: Changes in sensory perception, mood swings, and distorted reality. They may also cause confusion, increased heart rate, or paranoia.
Long-term: Risk of persistent psychosis, memory problems, and flashbacks (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder).
Psychological: Increased anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional instability.

There are six types of hallucinogens:
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine)
PCP (Phencyclidine, “Angel Dust”)
Mescaline
Psilocybin Psilocin
Ketamine

• Cannabis
  Cannabis also known as Marijuana is a plant-based substance commonly used for recreational, medicinal, and industrial purposes. It is one of the plants that grow wildly in many places.

These are the impacts of cannabis:
Short-term: Relaxation, altered perception, and euphoria may also cause impaired memory, coordination issues, or anxiety.
Long-term: Risk of dependency, reduced cognitive function, and potential respiratory issues from smoking.
Psychological: Prolonged use can lead to mental health challenges such as paranoia or depression.

These are the street names for cannabis:
Ganja
Dimba
Hashish
Kif
Sayur
Dam
Marijuana
Kanabis

• Depressants
  Depressants are substances that slow down the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. They are often prescribed for medical purposes such as treating insomnia or anxiety but can be misused for their calming effects.

These are the impacts of depressants:
Short-term: Drowsiness, reduced coordination and slowed reaction times. In high doses, they may cause confusion, respiratory depression, or unconsciousness.
Long-term: Dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and potential liver damage with prolonged use.
Psychological: Misuse can lead to memory problems, depression, and impaired decision-making.

There are two types of depressants:
Antidepressant
Sleeping Pills and Tranquiliser

Date of Input: 10/12/2025 | Updated: 10/12/2025 | ayna