The Three Main Categories of Drugs

Some drugs due to certain factors that change their characteristics, may cause
them to fall under different categories at different times. For example, even though
Cannabis is considered a depressant, in high enough doses it can also be a
hallucinogen.
The three main categories were constructed based on similarities that certain drugs
share; however, there are many differences that these drugs have also.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, speeding
up communication between the two. They usually increase alertness and physical
activity. They include amphetamines, cocaine, crack and some inhalants like amyl or
butyl nitrites. Your everyday coffee is a stimulant that many people have formed an
addiction to. Those who stop drinking coffee even suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Depressants
Depressants slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system, slowing down
the communication between the two. For medical purposes they can calm nerves,
relax muscles and useful for sleeping disorders such as insomnia.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens interfere with the brain and central nervous system in a way that
results in radical distortions of a users perception of reality. Profound images,
sounds and sensations will be experienced, but they will not actually exist. These
are vivid hallucinations.