Recreational drugs is an informal term used to describe substances that are used without medical justification or supervision. Also referred to as “party drugs,” recreational drugs are commonly used for leisure or fun, without much awareness or thought of the negative side effects.

Because recreational drugs are used in moderation, or once-in-a-while, most users believe that the drugs are safe and non-habit-forming. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even recreational drugs are risky—especially when users are young.

Like any drugs, there are different categories of recreational drugs, including depressants (like alcohol), stimulants (like cocaine), analgesics (like heroin), and hallucinogens (like acid). Recreational drugs may be obtained legally or illegally, and with a prescription or without. However, it’s important to remember that recreational drugs are not used for medical reasons, even if they were prescribed originally.

The Dangers of Recreational Drugs

Recreational drugs is a bad phrase because it suggests these drugs are fun and safe. This could not be farther from the truth. While some of these drugs are legal or even commonplace, all recreational drug use carries a level of risk. They may lead to physical or psychological dependence. They may disrupt a user’s perception of reality or affect one’s decision-making. Moreover, recreational drugs have the potential to put users in dangerous situations and make them more prone to other risky behaviors. 

Let’s explore one example. A young person is at a party with their friends, drinking alcohol and smoking weed (two of the most popular recreational drugs). Although these drugs might seem harmless and low-risk, let’s consider what happens when the user becomes intoxicated. Their decision-making skills become deeply disrupted as the night goes on. And, as a result, they might think it’s okay to get behind the wheel and drive, try out new drugs they haven’t done before, or engage in unsafe sex, not to mention other unsafe activities. 

Even outside of this context, recreational drugs can pose other, direct dangers. For example, marijuana has been linked to cognitive issues, psychotic episodes, and drug dependence. Even the DEA marks marijuana as having high potential for abuse, despite it being legal in many states. Similarly, prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin (which are common among young people) are categorized with the potential for “severe psychological or physical dependence.”  

It’s true that recreational drugs are usually used for fun—to provide pleasure or to improve an experience in some way. However, they can lead to dependence and addiction, overdose, or other detrimental effects. 

Our List of the 5 Most Popular Recreational Drugs

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States; so much so that it’s not typically considered dangerous or problematic. However, when used frequently or illegally, alcohol does pose many risks. This is especially true for young people whose brains are still developing—introducing alcohol early on makes them more vulnerable to substance use issues later in life. Yet still, over 50 percent of high school seniors report using alcohol recreationally in the past year.

2. Marijuana

It’s estimated that 15 percent of Americans over the age of 12 – that’s 42.3 million – have used marijuana in the past month. Marijuana use is most common among young adults, but adolescents are not exempt. A recent Monitoring the Future study found that over 30 percent of high school seniors used cannabis in the past year. Marijuana is such a popular recreational drug for several reasons. On one hand, it’s perceived as safe because of its natural properties and push for legalization. The drug is also known for its relaxing and euphoric effects, making it a top recreational drug choice. However, as noted above, marijuana does not come without risk. The drug can also have a dangerous effect on the brain, disrupting a person’s ability to learn as well as their likelihood of drug dependence down the road.

3. Hallucinogens

Following marijuana, hallucinogens are another common recreational drug category. Hallucinogens are psychedelic drugs that alter a person’s state of consciousness, intensifying their senses and changing their perceptions or thoughts. Common hallucinogen drugs used for recreational purposes include LSD (acid), Ecstasy, MDMA or Molly, ketamine, mushrooms, and salvia. These drugs are often used in party settings, such as music festivals, to heighten certain experiences. However, they come with a long list of threatening side effects, including the potential for panic attacks, paranoia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and hallucinations. 

4. Prescription Painkillers

In 2022, an estimated 8.5 million people reported having misused a prescription painkiller drug in the past year. The misuse of a prescription painkiller means that they used the drug for reasons other than medical purposes—often, recreationally. About 8 percent of these users admitted they used the drugs to “feel good” or “get high,” while another 7 percent used painkillers to “relax” or “relieve tension.” However, this recreational use also comes with risk. Even though prescriptions are administered by a doctor, they are not always safe. Without medical approval and/or instruction, prescription pain relievers carry a high potential for abuse and addiction. They also can lead to physical risks, such as overdose. 

5. Cocaine

To round out our list of the most popular recreational drugs, we have cocaine – a stimulant drug known for its euphoric and energetic effects. Cocaine can cause temporary feelings of pleasure, alertness, talkativeness, and hypersensitivity. As such, it’s often used in recreational settings to stay awake and enjoy the party. However, cocaine has a slew of negative side effects and risks, including heart attack, seizure, stroke, and a dangerously high body temperature. Cocaine also has the potential for addiction, and is especially risky when used in combination with other drugs. 

Why Do People Use Recreational Drugs?

Most commonly, recreational drugs are used by young people, in their teen or young adult years. They use these drugs to feel pleasure, to heighten the effects of experiences, or to escape negative feelings. Below are some common reasons why people use drugs recreationally:

• They want to fit in and feel cool, because their friends are doing drugs
• They are curious about the effects, and wish to experiment
• They crave new and exciting experiences or perspectives
• They wish to feel more relaxed, forgetting worries or problems
• They want to feel more confident
• They are seeking ways to feel happier
• They want to rebel against authorities

If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, it’s important to educate your loved one on the dangers of drug use. Recreational or not, drugs can lead to addiction, legal problems, financial struggles, mental health challenges, as well as physical risks like overdose. And those physical risks are more prominent than ever, as street drugs are frequently being laced with deadly fentanyl.

Recreational Drugs: What You Should Know

It’s easy for parents to think that drug and alcohol use during adolescence is a rite of passage, or a phase that will soon pass. While it may seem normal for teens and young adults to use drugs recreationally, we have to remember that there is always a risk involved.

If you suspect your loved one is using drugs, please do not hesitate to intervene. It is never too early to seek guidance for a drug use problem—but it can be too late. To learn about intervention strategies, or to learn about treatment programs for your loved one, you can call Turnbridge at 877-581-1793 today. You may also contact us online.