There are many different types of illegal drugs in the world. Heroin, amphetamines, and hallucinogenics are three examples of drugs that are commonly used illegally. Many illegal drugs have a wide range of effects on the body, and can lead to users' addiction, illness, or death, in addition to the legal ramifications. In certain regions, some drugs are legal for medical use but illegal for recreational use.
Of all illegal drugs, heroin is one of the most addictive and lethal. The euphoric effects on the mind are the reason for recreational abuse. It also has physical dependency qualities, causing acute withdrawal symptoms. Heroin is derived from opium that is farmed and has a large economic effect on many Third World countries. It has been outlawed in most countries because the abuse risk far outweighs the medicinal benefits.
Amphetamines are usually pills that give users energy and make them lose weight. Legal use of the drug is commonly limited to prescriptions in most countries for dieting or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Under a doctor's supervision, medicinal use of amphetamines has been proven safe and acceptable by the US Food and Drug Administration; however, it has commonly been abused for extreme weight loss and its ability to let users get by on very little sleep. Amphetamines are used illegally in colleges around the world because students can use them to stay up late and study, while being able to concentrate with little or no rest. They also have physical and psychological dependency qualities.
Hallucinogenics are drugs that cause euphoria and psychedelic effects on the body and mind. They come in many different forms, including fungus and mold. Some of the more common hallucinogenics are LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote cactus. Dating back to prehistoric times, these have been used in religious and ceremonial events. In the last century, however, these illegal drugs have also been abused for recreational use.
Marijuana is illegal in some countries; however, the plant's medicinal use has become more accepted in certain places. In some regions, the medical community and legislators are exploring or have approved medicinal use of the drug with a prescription and under a doctor's supervision. Marijuana has no known physical dependency, and has been found to help reduce nausea and pain.