Depressants
What are depressants?
are any drug that reduces the functioning of the central nervous system or any other part of the body. However, this doesn't just include the standard barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Rather, it also includes things like opioids, alcohol and antipsychotic drugs
A depressant affects the central nervous system by slowing down the messages going between the brain and the body. This then slows down breathing and heart rate. Depressants will slow your reflexes and impair your balance and coordination. They affect your vision and perception of time, as well as your ability to think logically. There are also dangerous ‘hangover effects’ such as drowsiness and poor coordination that can last for several hours.Drivers take their lives in their hands as their ability to operate safely on the road is reduced well after the initial effects of the drug have worn off.
The dangers of taking depressants
The effects of depressants on your driving
How Are Depressants Used and Taken Into the Body?
Depressants are typically taken into the body in pill form, as they are most often prescription drugs. However, one of the more common (and readily available) depressants is alcohol, which is, of course, drunk. And, the opioid, heroin, is taken intravenously.
What are the Effects of Depressants Abuse?
Should you develop a tolerance to a depressant drug, addiction is not far after. Even when prescribed an anticonvulsant, for exapmle, you can still build up a tolerance and ultimately become addicted to it. This happens even if your intentions in taking the drug were good.
However, some people take depressants for recreational purposes only. Certainly, the initial effects can be pleasant, but over time, users feel drained, lethargic and generally unwell due to their depressants drug abuse. Side effects can include clumsiness, dizziness, slurred speech and confusion. Serious side effects can span the gamut from loss of consciousness to even death.
And withdrawal isn't much better. Suddenly ceasing the intake of many depressant drugs can cause serious symptoms like respiratory depression, seizure, coma or death. That's why it is highly recommended those quitting depressants do so under professional care and are weaned off the drugs gradually in a professional detox center environment.
Specific depressants like alcohol have their own unique withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens. And the use of alcohol can reduce your ability to make responsible decisions, which can lead to getting behind the wheel of a car and potentially causing an accident or worse.
- examples: alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates, these are all depressants
are any drug that reduces the functioning of the central nervous system or any other part of the body. However, this doesn't just include the standard barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Rather, it also includes things like opioids, alcohol and antipsychotic drugs
A depressant affects the central nervous system by slowing down the messages going between the brain and the body. This then slows down breathing and heart rate. Depressants will slow your reflexes and impair your balance and coordination. They affect your vision and perception of time, as well as your ability to think logically. There are also dangerous ‘hangover effects’ such as drowsiness and poor coordination that can last for several hours.Drivers take their lives in their hands as their ability to operate safely on the road is reduced well after the initial effects of the drug have worn off.
The dangers of taking depressants
- Sleep disturbance.
- Irritability.
- Loss of appetite and consequent weight loss.
- Nervousness, anxiety, sweating and upset stomach.
- Body chills, increased body temperature and tremors.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Dependency.
The effects of depressants on your driving
- They slow your reaction time.
- They distort your perception of speed and distance.
- They impair your vision.
- They reduce your ability to concentrate.
- They impair your ability to coordinate reactions when driving.
- They greatly increase your risk of crashing while driving.
How Are Depressants Used and Taken Into the Body?
Depressants are typically taken into the body in pill form, as they are most often prescription drugs. However, one of the more common (and readily available) depressants is alcohol, which is, of course, drunk. And, the opioid, heroin, is taken intravenously.
What are the Effects of Depressants Abuse?
Should you develop a tolerance to a depressant drug, addiction is not far after. Even when prescribed an anticonvulsant, for exapmle, you can still build up a tolerance and ultimately become addicted to it. This happens even if your intentions in taking the drug were good.
However, some people take depressants for recreational purposes only. Certainly, the initial effects can be pleasant, but over time, users feel drained, lethargic and generally unwell due to their depressants drug abuse. Side effects can include clumsiness, dizziness, slurred speech and confusion. Serious side effects can span the gamut from loss of consciousness to even death.
And withdrawal isn't much better. Suddenly ceasing the intake of many depressant drugs can cause serious symptoms like respiratory depression, seizure, coma or death. That's why it is highly recommended those quitting depressants do so under professional care and are weaned off the drugs gradually in a professional detox center environment.
Specific depressants like alcohol have their own unique withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens. And the use of alcohol can reduce your ability to make responsible decisions, which can lead to getting behind the wheel of a car and potentially causing an accident or worse.
- examples: alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates, these are all depressants