Posts Tagged depressant effects

Commonly Abused Prescription and OTC Drugs: Depressants

Posted by Drug Free in Other Addictions on January 2nd, 2011

Depressants are drugs that slow the brain’s function, and are normally prescribed to relieve anxiety or encourage sleep. From a clinical standpoint, depressants can be very helpful to the people who need them; these drugs become a way for these patients to somehow get their lives back and lead healthier, happier lives. Unfortunately, depressants are among the drugs that are subject to abuse. These drugs are sometimes used by people who do not need them – or needed them once, but do not need them anymore.

pillsWhat depressants are usually being abused? A feature on WebMD also shows us photos of these drugs.

Barbiturates. Examples of barbiturates include Phenobarbital, Mebaral, Seconal and Nembutal. While these drugs are helpful when taken as prescribed, they can be addictive. If they are taken in conjunction with certain drugs or with alcohol, it can bring about a slowing of the heart and of breathing, which can be fatal. Common slang words for barbiturates are “barbs,” “reds,” red birds,” “phennies,” “tooies,” “yellows,” and “yellow jackets.”

Benzodiazepines. Valium and Xanax both fall under this type of depressant; these are drugs that are normally prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, panic attacks, convulsions, and sleep disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) noted that withdrawal from benzodiazepines is potentially “problematic,” but not usually life-threatening.

Sleep medicines. Newer sleep medicines called nonbenzodiazepines include the drugs Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. According to NIDA, sleep medicines are not as addictive as other depressants; we realize, however, that based on the various news reports that we encounter on a daily basis, these drugs are among the more commonly abused medicines.

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Behavioral Symptoms of Drug Abuse According to Drug Type

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction on November 19th, 2009

Perhaps the greatest effect of drug abuse lies in the various adverse changes that it gives to the brain, and this can affect the way the individual thinks and acts within social situations. The behavioral changes attributed to drug use can vary according to the type of drugs taken.

So, what are the things that you need to watch out for if you think that your friend or loved one is using drugs?

STIMULANTS
If the individual used stimulants such as cocaine and meth, he may experience an episode of restlessness since stimulants give an artificial feeling of “being energized”. This restlessness can manifest itself through being overly cheerful, talkative, and being too excited over even the smallest of things.

drug abuseDEPRESSANTS
Depressants such as marijuana have the opposite effect on the body, and the user may become more lethargic when he is high. If the individual shows signs of being too placid, or if his responsiveness and attention span wanes, chances are that he may be taking depressants. Depression is also another side-effect of this type of drug, and the individual can also show signs of voluntary self-isolation because of it.

HALLUCINOGENS
Hallucinogens have the most unusual effect on the body, since it allows the user to experience hallucinations. If taken in high doses, the drug can cause a feeling of hallucinating that may persist even long after the user has taken it, and this can compromise his relationships with the people around him. The user can also show signs of preferring to be in his make-believe world rather than deal with reality itself.

While drugs may have a general effect on the body, the behavioral changes can vary according to the type of drug taken. Stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens may each have their corresponding consequences, but this does not make any less dangerous than the other.

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