Substances & Effects – Overview of Psychoactive Substances, Effects and Risks

In this section, you will find a neutral and easy-to-understand overview of psychoactive substances that frequently play a role in drug testing. Each substance is linked to a dedicated detail page – including effects, risks, typical patterns of use, and information on detectability.
Drug testing basics

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Substances by type of effect

Cannabinoids

Natural cannabinoids:

  • Cannabis / THC
    Short profile: relaxation, altered perception; risks include impaired concentration and reaction time.

Synthetic cannabinoids:
  • Spice / K2
    Short profile: highly potent, unpredictable, significantly more dangerous than THC.

Stimulants (activating)

  • Cocaine

  • Methamphetamine
    Short profile: alertness/euphoria; risks mainly cardiovascular stress, overheating, anxiety and agitation.

Empathogens & new psychoactive substances (NPS)

  • MDMA / Ecstasy
    Short profile: empathy, disinhibition, energy boost; risks include dehydration, hyperthermia and serotonin imbalance.

Sedatives / tranquillizers

  • Benzodiazepines
    Short profile: calming/anxiolytic; risks include dependence, interactions, drowsiness and increased accident risk.

Opioids (pain-relieving, highly addictive)

  • Opioids / Opiates

  • Heroin

  • Methadone / EDDP (substitution & metabolite)
    Short profile: strong effects, high risk of dependence and overdose – especially with mixed use.

Dissociatives (altered perception / sense of self)

  • Ketamine

  • PCP
    Short profile: dissociative; risks include loss of control, confusion and psychological side effects.

Medications with abuse potential

Warning signs & intoxication indicators

Further topics (methods, detectability, legal aspects)