Depressants
Depressants cover a large range
of drugs including marijuana, alcohol, and barbiturates. The most
commonly used and abused depressant is alcohol, which is taken
orally, and can lead to addiction and serious health complications
such as liver disease. Most depressants are taken orally however
some barbiturate users inject drugs intravenously. There are many
side effects of depressants, which include reduced inhibitions,
inability to concentrate and pay attention for any period of time,
impaired judgment and an inability to control one’s emotions.
Just as the drugs’ name suggests people who used depressants
often feel depressed and suicidal as a result.
Often times people who use depressants
believe that the use of the drugs will change their emotional
state of being so that they do not have to deal with painful or
uncomfortable feelings. While this may be an initial effect of
the drug, it is more likely that the depression and negative emotions
will be even worse after a person uses depressants. Depressant
users may experience a type of high, which is more relaxed and
may intensify their present attitude and feelings. Some depressants
may work instantly with effects only lasting for a short time,
while other depressants may take longer to set in and last longer.
Short-term effects of depressants
include a relief from anxiety, relaxation and increased calmness.
People who use depressants are at a higher risk for engaging in
unsafe and dangerous behavior including driving under the influence
of drugs and unprotected sex. Depressants can come in the form
of pills, tablets and capsules, as well as in liquid forms.
Longer-term effects of depressants
may include dependence, tolerance, addiction, and overdose. A
person who is experiencing an overdose will usually become drowsy
and faint. Because depressants slow down the brain and body’s
ability to function, messages between the brain and the body will
be much slower causing bodily functions including heart rate and
respiration to slow down. In addition people who use depressants
in a habitual or excessive manner may be prone to addiction. Depressant
drug addicts become physically and mental dependent on drugs to
make them feel as though they are functioning normally in the
world. For these addicts depressants are as important to them
as sleeping, breathing or eating.
People who become addicted to
depressants generally find it difficult to stop using the drugs
alone. This is because depressants have a series of withdrawal
symptoms that can be incredibly uncomfortable including convulsions,
muscle spasms, panic attacks and delirium. Instead of undergoing
the painful process of detoxification, addicts may choose to stay
dependent on depressants. Using the aid of a medical detoxification
facility is often helpful if a person wants to get of depressants
for good. Addiction to depressants, specifically alcohol, is one
of the most common treatable diseases.
