Types of Drugs and Addiction — A Simple Guide

Addiction is not a bad habit or weak willpower — it is a brain illness. Repeated use changes the brain circuits that control decisions and self-restraint. That is why “just stop it” does not work, and why proper treatment does. Below are the main types of substances seen in India, how to recognise their use, and what makes each one dangerous.

1. Alcohol (शराब)

Common forms: Desi/English liquor, beer, country-made alcohol.

How to recognise: Daily or binge drinking, morning shakiness that settles after a drink, hiding bottles, irritability when unable to drink.

Main dangers: Liver damage, accidents, violence at home. Stopping suddenly at home can cause fits (seizures) and can be life-threatening — alcohol detox needs a doctor.

2. Opioids — smack, heroin, opium, doda-post (स्मैक / अफीम)

Common forms: Smack, chitta, brown sugar, heroin, opium, doda-post, and misused painkiller tablets/injections.

How to recognise: Drowsy “nodding”, pinpoint pupils, weight loss, money/valuables disappearing, needle marks; severe body pain, loose motions and restlessness when the dose is missed.

Main dangers: The fastest-gripping addiction; overdose stops breathing. Slow breathing, blue lips, unconsciousness = call 108 immediately. Effective medicines (like buprenorphine under a doctor) exist — treatment works.

3. Cannabis (गांजा / चरस / भांग)

Common forms: Ganja, charas, bhang, weed.

How to recognise: Red heavy eyes, causeless laughter or dullness, poor memory and motivation, a sweetish smell on clothes.

Main dangers: Considered “light” but regular use in teenagers harms memory, learning and motivation, and raises the risk of anxiety and in some people psychosis.

4. Tobacco (तम्बाकू / गुटखा / बीड़ी-सिगरेट)

Common forms: Gutkha, khaini, zarda, bidi, cigarette.

How to recognise: Daily use, restlessness without it, white/red patches in the mouth.

Main dangers: Cancer of the mouth and lungs, heart disease. Quitting has clear methods — QuitLine 1800-11-2356 is free.

5. Medicine misuse (नशे की दवाइयाँ)

Common forms: Sleeping pills, painkiller tablets/injections, cough syrups taken without prescription.

How to recognise: Multiple doctor visits for the same medicines, empty strips/bottles, drowsiness.

Main dangers: Looks “safe” because it is a medicine — it is not. Sudden stopping of sleeping pills can cause seizures; always taper under a doctor.

6. Inhalants — children and teens (सूंघने वाले नशे)

Common forms: Solution/glue, whitener fluid, petrol fumes.

How to recognise: Chemical smell on breath/clothes, rags or bottles hidden in school bags, dazed look — mostly in school-age children.

Main dangers: Cheap and easily available, so common in children; can damage the brain, liver and kidneys, and can kill suddenly even on first use.

7. Synthetic party drugs (MD आदि)

Common forms: MD/mephedrone (“meow meow”), ecstasy, and similar powders/pills.

How to recognise: Sleepless energetic nights, grinding teeth, sudden mood crashes, secretive parties.

Main dangers: Overheating and heart problems can kill at a party itself; strong psychological grip in young users. If someone collapses at a party — call 108, do not run away.

8. Mixed use — the most dangerous (मिला-जुला नशा)

Common forms: Alcohol + sleeping pills, smack + alcohol, or several substances together.

How to recognise: Using whatever is available, unpredictable intoxication.

Main dangers: Combinations multiply the risk of overdose and death many times over. Mixed users need medical supervision the most.

One message for every type

Whatever the substance — recognition is the first step, and treatment is the answer, not shame or punishment. Treatment at government centres is free or nominal. See how treatment works, or find a centre in your district.

Sources: WHO, NDDTC-AIIMS · Medically reviewed by: Dr. Brij Kishor Saini, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry) · Translated from the doctor-reviewed Hindi original · Last updated: August 2026 · अगली समीक्षा: अगस्त 2027