Depressants & Their Effects

In today’s world people are becoming more and more dependant on drugs, in particular, depressants.

By definition, a depressant is a chemical agent that diminishes the function or activity of a specific part of the body. There are many different types of depressants ranging from sleeping medications to laughing gas, and of course the most common, alcohol. Like all medications, there are the legal and illegal types. Heroin, marijuana, and GHB which is commonly used as a date rape drug, are among the illegal depressants. Ambien and Benadryl are legal depressants when prescribed by a doctor.

They are usually prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. The effects of taking depressants can slow down or even stop one’s breathing or heart beat. They slow down brain activity and cause a drowsy or calm feeling. Depressants will make one feel tired or forgetful and may cause long term health problems, or could possibly result in death. While most drugs tend to have similar effects, loss of judgment or the ability to think clearly, depressant drugs are very dangerous and can become addictive without notice.Depressants are often referred by most as “downers” because of their hypnotic, tranquilizing, and sedative effects.

Medical depressants often fall into two categories, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Those that do not fall in these categories include: anesthetics, antihistamines, sedative hypnotics, narcotics, and alcohol. As stated before, there are both legal and illegal depressants, though alcohol is the most common legal depressant. The word alcohol is associated with ethanol, also known as a grain alcohol.

Ethanol is the most widely used depressant in the world, and has been for thousands of years.Those who consume alcohol often drink to ease tension, which will eventually allow the consumer to feel more comfortable in their environment. This allows them to “have a good time”, as most people would call it, but unfortunately alcohol is easily abused and can be very addictive. Most say that they drink to relieve stress, while others “drink away” to forget about the situations occurring in one’s life. In reality, it’s easier, more efficient, and healthier to cope with whatever the problem is without the help of alcohol.

Neither taking drugs nor consuming alcohol is positive solutions to cope with problems.In most cases, the continued use of the two will eventually lead to addiction, which creates a much greater risk for the individual than whatever the problem may be. While alcohol is one of the most widely used and abused depressants, prescription drugs also contribute to the problem. As stated before, legal depressants consist of anesthetics, antihistamines, sedative hypnotics, and narcotics. Most of these are only legal when prescribed by a licensed practicing doctor and are commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Individuals often take more than the prescribed amount or pass them off to a friend which then makes them illegal.When someone consumes more than the prescribed amount, it will often lead to a dependency of the drug. Those who find themselves dependent on a drug can be faced with many problems. They may have to complete a rehab or detox program while others require a doctor to prescribe them to a lesser drug to pull them off of the more addictive drug. A common example of this is when heroine addicts are prescribed to morphine, which is still dangerous but less lethal.

Drug overdose is caused when one takes a large quantity of a medication and may result in death, especially when mixed with alcohol.Along with the abuse of prescription drugs, illegal drugs are very dangerous depressants. There are several types of illegal depressants that can be found around the world. One of the most common illegal depressant is cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, hash, etc. Cannabis can cause a hallucinogenic effect if consumed in large quantities. Opium and drugs derived from it fall into the same category as cannabis but is more addictive which may cause more health problems.

Long term use of these substances can lead to problems and complications associated with memory, concentration, and motivation.Heroin, also known as smack, skag, or hammer, is also an illegal depressant. This drug is among other strong pain killer drugs, such as morphine, called analgesics. The long term use of these drugs can lead to heart and lung problems. Other problems include tetanus and damaged veins from injections. The unknown purity of heroin puts users at risk for overdose.

Each time a user “shoots up”, they may think that they are injecting the same amount as before, but it may be more potent which can be lethal. Gamma hydroxyl butyrate, commonly known as GHB, a date rape drug is also an illegal depressant.GHB also has street names such as liquid x or liquid ecstasy. It is typically a colorless, odorless liquid with a slightly salty taste. This allows individuals to slip it without notice to another person.

Its effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, and visual disturbances. It may quickly lead to the loss of consciousness which is why many use it as a date rape drug. Certain drugs are labeled illegal for various reasons. These reasons can range from the addictive properties to the harmful effects.

They should never be taken without the authorization of a licensed doctor.In conclusion, people today are relying more on depressants than ever before to cope with everyday problems. These decisions are causing difficulties in families across the world. They can and may cause addiction which may lead to death. In today’s world, it is easier than ever to obtain illegal drugs, which in turn makes it very easy for one to overdose.

Always take the prescribed amount at given times appointed by a doctor. This will help prevent addiction. Depressants are helpful when taken correctly but should be cautious and aware. If something does not seem right while prescribed to depressants, one should consult their family doctor.