Question

Which of the following drugs are often abused?
a. Barbiturates
b. Amphetamines
c. Benzodiazepines
d. LSD

A. a, b, and c
B. b, c and d
C. a, c, and d
D. a, b, c and d

Answer 1

Hint: Drug abuse refers to the habitual taking of illegal or addictive drugs and is often not recommended medically. It may involve the use of some drug which is not otherwise permitted or taking a drug in quantities which is beyond permissible level.

Complete answer:
> Barbiturates- They were extensively used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizure disorders in the 1960s and 1970s. They have a potentially depressant effect on the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of GABA. Except for a few specific conditions, they are commonly not recommended nowadays. According to research, their abuse is on the rise especially among adolescents.

> Amphetamines- They are stimulants of the central nervous system and belong to phenethylamine class. Doses higher than recommended therapeutically can induce cognitive dysfunction and rapid breakdown of muscle. With heavy recreational amphetamine use, addiction is a serious risk.

> Benzodiazepines- These are the drugs which are used to slow down the body functions and hence act as sedatives or tranquilizers. They increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA and are used in sleeping problems and in cases of anxiety. Its abuse results when people without prescription or medical recommendation take these drugs for sedative purposes.

> LSD- LSD stands for lysergic acid diethylamide and is an extremely potent hallucinogen. It is swallowed or taken through mouth tissues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, LSD is one of the commonly abused drugs under the hallucinogen category.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Barbiturates are also known by the nickname “downers” as they are often used to counteract the stimulant effects from drugs such as cocaine.
LSD may be found in various forms. Some of them to mention are- blotter paper, tablet or capsule form, liquid on sugar cubes, and pure liquid form (it may be extremely potent).