Gateway drugs are milder drugs that can open the door to exposure to or experimentation with harsher substances.

For
example, many people may feel that nicotine sand alcohol are relatively harmless. This idea is magnified by the fact that these
substances are legal to purchase and use.

Depressant substances reduce arousal and stimulation. They affect the central nervous system, slowing down the messages
between the brain and body. 1. They can affect concentration and coordination and slow down a person's ability to respond to
unexpected situations.

Stimulants are sometimes referred to as uppers and reverse the effects of fatigue on both mental and physical tasks.
Therapeutic levels of stimulants can produce exhilaration, extended wakefulness, and loss of appetite. These effects are
greatly intensified when large doses of stimulants are taken.

a drug (as codeine, methadone, or morphine) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces
profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions

Hallucinogens are psychedelic drugs that can potentially change the way people see, hear, taste, smell or feel, and also
affect mood and thought.

Inhalants are a broad range of household and industrial chemicals whose volatile vapors or pressurized gases can be
concentrated and breathed in via the nose or mouth to produce intoxication, in a manner not intended by the
manufacturer.