Top 20 Commonly Abused Drugs and their Weird Sources

Author: Gaurav Ruhela

09 Febraury, 2024

Heroin

Derived from morphine, which is extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants

Marijuana

Derived from the Cannabis plant, which is grown worldwide

Cocaine

Typically derived from the leaves of the coca plant, primarily grown in South America

Methamphetamine

Synthetically produced using various chemicals, including pseudoephedrine, found in over-the-counter cold medications derived from Plant Ephedra

MDMA

 Synthetically produced psychoactive drug, often manufactured in clandestine laboratories

LSD

Synthetic hallucinogenic drug derived from lysergic acid,  derived from Ergot Fungus

Prescription Opioids

 Including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, derived from opium poppies or synthetically produced in laboratories. These are typically prescribed for pain management.

Ketamine

Originally developed as an anesthetic, it is now abused recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects. It can be diverted from medical sources or synthesized illegally.

Methadone

A synthetic opioid primarily used in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction but can also be abused for its euphoric effects

Crack Cocaine

A highly addictive form of cocaine processed with baking soda and water, creating small rocks or crystals for smoking.

Barbiturates

Central nervous system depressants, which were once commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, but are now rarely prescribed due to their high abuse potential and risk of overdose

Amphetamines

Including drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, which are often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but are also abused for their stimulant effects.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic, it is now abused for its dissociative effects

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

A central nervous system depressant that is sometimes manufactured illicitly and abused for its euphoric and sedative effects.