Download Depressants

Barbiturates- treat
sleeplessness,
anxiety and
tension.
Tranquilizers- sleep
aids (Librium,
Valium)
Methaqualonereduce anxiety and
sleep aid
• Barbiturates were once
among the most widely
used depressants,
prescribed by doctors
to induce relaxation and
sleep. Like other
depressants,
barbiturates are sold on
the illicit market or are
legally prescribed to
addicts by physicians.
• Tranquilizers act as
depressants to the
central nervous
system and are used
to calm, induce sleep,
or decrease anxiety.
This drug is injected
or swallowed in a pill
form. Tranquilizers
depress the
effectiveness of the
central nervous
system which in turn
slows the body down.
• Rohypnol
(pronounced rowhip-nole) is illegal
in the U.S.
• Rohypnol is a
tranquilizer like
Valium, yet is 10
times more
potent.
• In other countries Rohypnol is
used to treat severe sleep
disorders and serious
psychiatric disorders.
• Rohypnol is known as
the "date-rape drug"
because of its
disinhibiting effect,
especially when
combined with even a
moderate amount of
alcohol. It is often
added to young
people's drinks without
their knowledge at
dance clubs, bars or
parties
• Students report use of the drug
as a cheap drunk and as a cure
for alcohol hangovers.
• Benzodiazepines (Valium, Temazepam,
Librium, Mogadon) are one of the most
commonly prescribed drugs, for sleeping
and anxiety problems. They come in a wide
variety of different coloured tablets and
capsules of various shapes and sizes,
bearing various trade names and markings.
They are usually taken orally, but may be
injected.
• Tolerance- Yes/Strong
• Physical DependenceYes/Strong
• Psychological
DependenceYes/Strong
Slang Names
•
•
•
•
Downers
Yellow jackets
Rainbows
Red devils
Appearance
• Usually a pill or
tablet/capsule
in a variety of
sizes and
colors.
How abused
• Oral and
sometimes
injected.
Effects
• Small doses they relieve
anxiety and tension, in larger
doses they induce sleep,
produce an alcohol type of
effect.
Dangers
• Synergistic effect
• Impaired judgment,
driving, motor
control and
coordination.
• Poisoning
• Coma
• Weak but rapid
pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Death