Illegal Drugs Addiction

Illicit drugs or illegal drugs are substances that have limitations on their ownership or use and are illegal, according to the government. Illicit drug use is the nonmedical use of one of these drugs even though it is prohibited by law.

Certain drugs are deemed illicit or illegal for three main reasons:

• Because they cause physical and psychological harm.
• Because their use incites criminal, reckless, or dangerous behavior.
• Because they can cause death.

Many legal drugs also have the potential to cause harm, negative behaviors, or death but they possess important medical uses that outweigh the potential harm.

If the police catch a person in possession of illicit drugs, they may be fined or could face jail time, depending on their criminal record. They may also be required to complete a certain number of community service hours.

If a person is caught selling illegal drugs, they may face more serious consequences, including up to nine years in prison. Smuggling illegal drugs into the United States is also considered a federal crime and could result in decades in prison.

Illicit drugs are extremely dangerous, very addictive, and should never be used or abused by anyone. Once a person is addicted to an illicit drug, he or she will need months of detox and drug rehab to overcome his or her addiction.

Some of the most common illicit drugs include the following:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Marijuana
• K2/Spice
• Methamphetamine
• MDMA
• LSD

Short-term effects

Click on each illegal drug to see its short-term effects.

Long-term effects

Click on each illegal drug to see its long-term effects.

Withdrawal symptoms

Click on each illegal drug to see its withdrawal symptoms.