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Part 1 - DepressantsDepressants or "downers" slow down, or depress, the central nervous system, producing a calming effect or sleep. Alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives/hypnotics are all considered depressants. Alcohol is probably the best-known depressant and the most commonly abused drug in the world. Most other depressants discussed here are available in pill, capsule, tablet or powder form. Most are legal in the form of prescription medication. They are prescribed for insomnia, anxiety or other mental disorders. When abused, depressants can cause as many problems as any illicit drug. They are also very dangerous--and can be fatal--when mixed with alcohol. Addicts often use depressant drugs to help them "come down" off the high of a stimulant (such as cocaine or crack), or they may use depressants to extend the high of another drug.
Alcohol
Alcohol, which includes beer, wine and liquor, is a drug in liquid form. Like all other drugs, it has a mood-altering effect. Because alcohol is legal in the United States for adults age 21 and older, people have the misconception that alcohol is safe. In reality, alcohol is a dangerous drug that is very addictive and very damaging. One in 20 Americans is an alcoholic. Alcohol and tobacco are the top two killers in the world.
Here is a description of alcohol's trip through the body and the damage it can cause. Alcohol begins its journey in the mouth and throat. As it passes through the mouth and throat, it produces a burning sensation. This warm, burning sensation is caused by alcohol's irritation of the lining of the mouth and throat. Alcohol can produce ulcers and sores in the mouth and throat of the regular alcohol user.
In the stomach and intestines, alcohol can contribute to more ulcers and peritonitis, holes in the lining of the stomach. Alcohol also inhibits absorption of nutrients and chronic use of alcohol can lead to anemia, malnutrition and weight loss. Moderate use of alcohol can contribute to weight gain due to the high calorie content (including the ingredients added to alcohol to produce a beverage). Nausea and vomiting can occur if a large amount of alcohol is consumed. The alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and into the blood.
Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it clumps red blood cells and slows circulation. Due to this slowed circulation of blood, the individual doesn't feel as cold while under the influence of alcohol. He/she may be unable to tell if frostbite is occurring, or may freeze to death. Use of alcohol weakens the immune system; the user becomes more prone to infection and disease.
Chronic alcohol use can lead to damage of the pancreas. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas cells swell and digestive acids are unable to be released. The pancreas then begins to digest itself. If the pancreas is injured, it is unable to produce insulin. This can lead to diabetes.
Alcohol causes damage to the liver, inhibiting its ability to filter toxins out of the body. Cirrhosis, the hardening or scarring of the liver tissue, occurs with chronic alcohol use. When the liver does not function properly, a person may become jaundiced. When the liver cells swell, they are unable to release bile. This buildup of bile contributes to eyes and skin tone becoming yellow. Alcohol hepatitis is another disease that occurs with chronic alcohol use.
Alcohol contributes to an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, hypertension, heart failure and heart disease. It interrupts the functioning of the kidneys. When this happens, toxins may leak into the bloodstream. Alcohol damages the reproductive system, contributing to impotence and infertility. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. A baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is often mentally retarded, with abnormal physical and facial features.
As a depressant, alcohol causes sedation of the brain and central nervous system. This leads to dizziness, slurred speech, mental confusion, loss of control, poor functioning of the senses, poor coordination, impaired judgment, blackouts, unconsciousness--and may lead to death. Alcohol overdose occurs when the body cannot metabolize the alcohol before it is absorbed into the center of brain, where involuntary functions are controlled. Once this area of the brain is shut down, death occurs.
Even at low to moderate doses, alcohol impairs the ability to drive a car. It can also lead to a variety of aggressive acts, including assault, domestic violence, child abuse, rape and vandalism. Another side effect of alcohol is a form of withdrawal known as a hangover. Symptoms of a hangover include nausea, vomiting, headache, thirst/dehydration, dizziness and tiredness. Prolonged, regular use of alcohol may lead to alcoholism--alcohol addiction. Once someone is addicted to alcohol, he/she may experience withdrawal symptoms if the alcohol use is stopped. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions.
Other Depressants
ALCOHOL
- What it is
Names:
Ethyl (beverage) alcohol, ethanol, booze.
Type:
Central nervous system depressant
Forms:
Clear, absolute alcohol, liquid, diluted and/or blended as wine, beer, liquor (distilled spirits) or liqueur.
Usage:
Swallowed in drinks, which may be blended or mixed with other spirits or non-alcoholic substances.
What it feels like
Initial relaxed and/or sociable feeling may be replaced with depression, anger, hostility, loss of control and drowsiness. Effects vary with the individual.
What it does
To your mind:
Lowers ability of brain to control behavior; impairs ability to perform motor skills such as driving; impairs judgment and memory; causes confusion.
To your body:
Lessens ability to move or speak effectively; impairs reflexes.
Special characteristics:
Milk can retard absorption of alcohol. Food or drink does not change ongoing effects. One "shot" equals one glass of beer or wine. Effects vary by size of person related to blood absorption capacity, amount of food in stomach, tolerance and other factors. There is no known cure for the next day withdrawal "hangover."
Signs of use
Intoxication. Smell of alcoholic beverage on breath or clothes, slurred speech, red or glassy eyes, poor balance, cold and clammy skin, socially unacceptable behavior, loud or more talkative speech.
How it can hurt you
Causes memory loss, hypothermia, decreased sex drive, impotence, menstrual problems, brain, liver, kidney, stomach and intestinal damage, lack of ability to feel pain, coma, susceptibility to alcohol-related diseases, anxiety, insomnia, socially unacceptable behavior. Brain damage, affected walk, depletion of vitamins and nutrients, exaggerated emotions or mood swings, depression. Use of alcohol contributes to aggressive behavior and violence, blackouts, coma, death from inability to breathe, heart failure, severe withdrawal effects, interaction with other drugs, driving while under the influence, suicide. Aspiration of vomit, which can lead to asphyxiation or pneumonia, is not uncommon. Unborn children of drinking mothers may be affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which includes mental retardation, deformities and heart defects.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Dependence can be both emotional and physical. Withdrawal symptoms include tremors, heavy sweating, weakness, agitation, headaches, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens.The effects of other depressants are similar to those of alcohol in many ways. Small amounts can produce a calm or relaxed feeling, while larger doses can cause slurred speech, poor motor coordination, altered perception, or even put a person into a coma. Death can result from overdose. These depressants can be addictive. People who are addicted can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drugs. These withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions and possibly death. This section divides the depressants into two categories: tranquilizers and sedatives/barbiturates.
TRANQUILIZERS/BENZODIAZEPINES
- What it is
Names:
Tranks, downers, anti-anxiety agents (anxiolytics), happy pills, BZDs, mood modifiers, blues
Benzodiazepines:
Xanax, Librium, Ativan, Thorazine, Valium, Serax, Azene, Clonopin, Dalmane, Diazepam, Tranxene--most widely prescribed psychotherapeutic drugs
Type:
Central nervous system depressant
Forms:
Powder, or pills.
Usage:
Swallowed as tablet, capsule, or liquid solution. Usually taken in pill form. May be injected into bloodstream (mainlining) or under skin (skin popping). May be used in combination with other drugs to level off a high or to bring someone down off of a high.
What it feels like
Relaxation and calmness (mild euphoria with diazepam, more intense with meprobamate), drowsiness, fatigue, hostility, dizziness, depression, blurred or double vision, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations.
What it does
To your mind:
Activates specific brain receptors. Often makes the user confused or disoriented.
To your body:
Interferes with control of movements.
Special Characteristics:
Diazepam is often substituted for methaqualone (ludes, 714's, Quaalude) when sold on the street. Small amounts of alcohol can be lethal when interacting with benzodiazepines. Heroin addicts and recovering alcoholics use Diazepam to achieve mild intoxication. Benzodiazepines can alleviate side affects of withdrawal from other drug abuse.
Signs of Use
Mild to heavy sedation, mild euphoria, slurred speech, slow or unsteady gait, dizziness.
How it can hurt you
Lack of coordination, altered speech, confusion, coma, withdrawal effects, tremors, altered speech, rapid heart rate, blood pressure drop, headache, mood swings, tension, nightmares, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Can also cause psychotic episodes, hallucinations, paranoia, convulsions, impaired memory, impaired judgment and impaired thinking, as well as loss of sexual function, apathy and increased toxic effects in combination with other depressants. Death can result from the effects of combining tranquilizers and other drugs, such as alcohol, or from driving under the influence. Suicide and accidental overdoses are also common. After effects may include headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, sweating, or stomach pains. Risks to an unborn child when a pregnant woman uses depressants include deficits in mental and motor development, poor fine motor control, balance, and response speed, and learning and behavior problems.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Can be addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, panic attacks, tremors, depression, mood swings, hypersensitivity to light and sound, irritability, loss of appetite and weight.SEDATIVES/BARBITURATES
- What it is
Names:
Barbs, downers, ludes, yellow jackets, blue devils, reds, tooies, red bird, yellows, phennies, Mickey Finn, knock-out drops, sleeping pills Phenobarbital, Fiorinal, Amytal, Seconal, Butisol, Tuinal, Luminal
Type:
Sedative, hypnotic
Forms:
White, bitter tasting powder, soluble in water
Usage:
Swallowed as tablet, capsule, or liquid solution. Usually taken in pill form but may be injected into bloodstream (mainlining) or under skin (skin popping). May be used in combination with other drugs to level off a high or to bring someone down off of a high.
What it feels like
Relaxation, sleepiness, pleasurable intoxication, dizziness, inactivity, withdrawal, interrupted thought processes, mood swings, excitement, increased pain, hostility, depression, anxiety, confusion, changed vision, increased sex drive, intense emotions, hangover
What it does
To your mind:
Depresses central nervous system; often makes the user confused or disoriented.
To your body:
Progressive decline in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, alternate pupil constriction and dilation, loss of reflex response, low body temperature and blood temperature, weak pulse.
Signs of Use
Mild to heavy sedation, mild euphoria, slurred speech, slow or unsteady gait, dizziness.
How it can hurt you
Anxiety, restlessness, depression, psychotic episodes, hallucinations, paranoia, convulsions. Impaired memory, judgment and thinking. Worsening of preexisting emotional disorders. Hostility, chronic fatigue from sleep disturbance or insomnia. Slurred speech, limited motor coordination. Changes in eyesight. Vertigo, impotence, reduced sex drive, irregular menstruation. Breathing disorders, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating. Death can come from stopping breathing, suicide, combination with other CNS depressants (such as alcohol), severe withdrawal reactions. Dependence builds with tolerance, which varies for each individual, and develops cross-tolerance to similar drugs. Cravings continue after pleasurable effects disappear and the drug use is stopped. Aftereffects may include headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, sweating or stomach pains. Risks to an unborn child when a pregnant woman uses depressants include deficits in mental and motor development, poor fine motor control, balance, and response speed, and learning and behavior problems.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, panic attacks, tremors, depression, mood swings, hypersensitivity to light and sound, irritability, loss of appetite and loss of weight.
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