Depressants
Depressants can be prescribed by doctors to relieve sleeplessness, depression or anxiety. They slow down the central nervous system and are abused to produce a calm state. They are available as pills, powders or liquids and can be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. Depressants are commonly used to reduce anxiety, induce sleep and lower inhibitions.
Commonly used depressants include Valium, seconal, quaaludes and alcohol. Marijuana and some inhalants are also depressants. Barbiturates are depressants commonly prescribed for insomnia or anxiety. Valium and Xanax are prescribed as tranquilizers. Flunitrazepam, commercially known as Rohypnol, is a sedative not sold in the United States that is sometimes brought in from other countries.
Using depressants can result in a slowed pulse and breathing, slurred speech, drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, poor concentration, fatigue, confusion, and impaired coordination, memory and judgment. Prolonged or heavy abuse can result in addiction, impaired sexual function, chronic sleep problems, respiratory depression and respiratory arrest, and death.
Online resources:
- Information on depressants from Partnership for a Drug-Free America
- Information on prescription sedatives and tranquilizers from Partnership for a Drug-Free America