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When drugs enter the brain, they interfere with its normal processing and can eventually lead to changes in how well it works. Over time, drug use can lead to addiction, a devastating brain disease in which people can’t stop using drugs even when they really want to and even after it causes terrible consequences to their health and other parts of their lives. Drugs affect three main parts of the brain

The brain stem is in charge of all the functions our body needs to stay alive—breathing, moving blood, and digesting food. It also links the brain with the spinal cord, which runs down the back and moves muscles and limbs as well as lets the brain know what’s happening to the body.

The limbic system links together a bunch of brain structures that control our emotional responses, such as feeling pleasure when we eat chocolate. The good feelings motivate us to repeat the behavior, which is good because eating is critical to our lives.

The cerebral cortex is the mushroom-shaped outer part of the brain (the gray matter). In humans, it is so big that it makes up about three-fourths of the entire brain. It’s divided into four areas, called lobes, which control specific functions. Some areas process information from our senses, allowing us to see, feel, hear, and taste. The front part of the cortex, known as the frontal cortex or forebrain, is the thinking center. It powers our ability to think, plan, solve problems, and make decisions.

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http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-abuse-addiction#1
www.projectknow.com/research/effects-of-drug-abuse/
http://drugwarfacts.org/chapter/addictive_properties
https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/these-are-the-5-most-addictive-substances-on-earth/

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Drugs are chemicals. Different drugs, because of their chemical structures, can affect the body in different ways. In fact, some drugs can even change a person's body and brain in ways that last long after the person has stopped taking drugs, maybe even permanently. Depending on the drug, it can enter the human body in a number of ways, including injection, inhalation, and ingestion. The method of how it enters the body impacts on how the drug affects the person. For example: injection takes the drug directly into the bloodstream, providing more immediate effects; while ingestion requires the drug to pass through the digestive system, delaying the effects. Most abused drugs directly or indirectly target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. When drugs enter the brain, they can actually change how the brain performs its jobs. These changes are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction.

What is the most addictive drug?
Heroin and methamphetamine are the most addictive by this measure. Cocaine, pentobarbital (a fast-acting sedative), nicotine and alcohol are next, followed by marijuana and possibly caffeine. Some hallucinogens—notably LSD, mescaline and psilocybin—have little or no potential for creating dependence."

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Side effects of an overdose can be more than harmful…they can be potentially fatal. And what’s more, the physical symptoms depend on the type of drug consumed.

In a situation where every second counts, recognizing the symptoms of an accidental or intentional overdose could save a life. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what happens to your body during an overdose situation when one of three common drugs are consumed.
Opioids

Opiates, such as heroin, and prescription pain pills like Vicodin, are psychoactive drugs that directly affect the region of the brain that regulates breathing. Along with respiratory depression, two additional signs of an opiate overdose include small, contracted pupils and unconsciousness.

Respiratory depression, being the most alarming symptom, is the last to occur in the opioid overdose triad. Breathing will become erratic, and then shallow. If the person’s condition is not addressed, breathing may completely cease.

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as cocaine and

meth, produce a very brief sense of euphoria. For instance, the sensation of a cocaine high lasts, on average, about half an hour. Commonly, an overdose brought on by either of these stimulant drugs occurs when someone attempts to maintain or achieve a certain high.

Stimulants affect two key areas of the body: the brain and the heart. The effects of cocaine and meth focus on the central nervous system, increasing the production of dopamine. With increased amounts, the cells in the nervous system cannot effectively communicate muscle movement, causing seizures.

Blood flow regulation is also compromised, causing an erratic heart rate. If not addressed by a medical professional, the user is at the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, if a blood vessel ruptures in the brain, the user could suffer a fatal aneurysm.

Meth is especially dangerous when injected. Due to the chemicals that are used to produce meth, a toxic mix can cause an overdose in a first-time or long-time user. Overdose is most common among meth users who administer the drug intravenously.  Symptoms of a meth overdose also include violent or erratic behavior, sweating and loss of muscle control.

Sedatives

Sedatives, or tranquilizers, are typically used to treat symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. Focusing on the central nervous system, sedatives like Xanax and Valium, slow down brain and body functions.

Unless taken in extreme doses, like in the case of an attempted suicide, overdosing on sedatives alone is very uncommon. An overdose is more likely to occur when sedatives are mixed with alcohol, or other drugs such as opiates or barbiturates.

A sedative overdose may begin with dizziness and vomiting. The next stage of the overdose involves the user being incoherent and taking labored breaths. If the signs are ignored, the user can go into shock, and even fall into a comatose state.