Which drugs count as drugs? – Effect, Risk & Dependence Explained
Not only illegal substances can be intoxicating – legally prescribed drugs can also have a strong psychoactive effect if taken incorrectly or abusively. Some of them have a very high potential for addiction and are therefore treated like drugs in addiction prevention.
This overview shows the most important drug groups, their benefits, their risk and why they are often abused.
1. Opioid painkillers
Examples: Oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone
Effect: strong pain relief, euphoria
Dependency potential: very high
Opioids act directly in the reward system and can trigger addiction even if used incorrectly for a short time. Overdoses quickly lead to respiratory arrest.
▶ Link recommendation: Opioids & Opiates – Effect, Risk, Dependence
2. Benzodiazepines
Examples: Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam
Effect: anxiolytic, calming, sleep-promoting
Dependency potential: high
Benzodiazepines rapidly lead to the development of tolerance. Withdrawal can be dangerous (convulsions, anxiety, insomnia).
▶ Link recommendation: Benzodiazepines – Effect & Danger
3. Stimulants / ADHD medications
Examples: Methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine, Adderall
Effect: increased alertness, energy, focus
Dependency potential: high
Often abused by students („learning drugs“). Risk: Cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, psychological dependence.
4. THC-containing medications
Example: Marinol (dronabinol)
Effect: appetizing, calming, psychoactive
Dependency potential: moderate
Medically well documented, but addictive if taken improperly.
5. Z-Drugs (modern sleeping pills)
Examples: Zolpidem, Zopiclone
Effect: sleep-inducing
Dependency potential: high
Especially risky in combination with alcohol or other sedatives.
6. Barbiturates
Example: Phenobarbital
Effect: strongly sedative
Dependency potential: high
Hardly prescribed today, because of the high risk of overdose.
7. Antihistamines (H1 blockers)
Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine
Effect: sedative
Dependency potential: low–moderate
Are abused in high doses for intoxication.
8. Mixed consumption with alcohol – particularly dangerous
The combination of medication + alcohol can cause:
- Atemdepression
- Bewusstlosigkeit
- Leberschäden
- stark erhöhte Rauschwirkung
- tödliche Überdosierungen
Particularly risky combinations:
⚠️ Alcohol + benzodiazepines
⚠️ Alcohol + Z-Drugs
⚠️ Alcohol + Opioids
Related Links
Addiction Switzerland – Facts and figures on medication and drugs
