Author: Gary Jackson

Depressant Drugs: Facts and Long-Term Effects Missouri Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Users would snort or smoke the free-base etaqualone hydrochloride salt. In general, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in the short term, although cognitive impairments and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur. A minority of patients react to benzodiazepines with paradoxical agitation. Long-term use is controversial due to adverse psychological and cognitive effects, decreasing effectiveness, dependence, and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, following withdrawal after long-term use. The elderly are at an increased risk of experiencing both short- and long-term adverse effects. Depressants slow brain activity by increasing the production and activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain.

Opioids/opiates

Prescription depressants include benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax) and barbiturates (amobarbital and phenobarbital). These medications were prescribed for decades as supposed solutions to stress and anxiety disorders. Barbiturates came first, but it was soon found that these drugs were both highly addictive and had a high potential for overdose. Benzodiazepines were developed as a safer alternative, but they are still both addictive and dangerous. High doses of shorter-acting benzodiazepines induce anterograde amnesia, which may be helpful for surgical and procedural anesthesia to reduce patient recall.

When it enters the brain, it essentially turns into morphine. However, heroin is more potent and is often taken with other substances because it is highly illegal. Both are mild stimulants people usually consume to get through the day.

What to Know About CNS Depressants

These properties make benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures. Benzodiazepines are categorized as either short-, intermediate-, or long-acting. Short- and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred for the treatment of insomnia; longer-acting benzodiazepines are recommended for the treatment of anxiety. Carbamates gained widespread use in the 1950s, alongside barbiturates.

Regular misuse of stimulants can cause psychosis, anger or paranoia. Stimulants, when taken at high doses, can also lead to dangerous side effects, such as high body temperature, irregular heartbeat, seizures and heart failure. People who regularly use stimulants are also at an increased risk of developing a tolerance to the medications. These medications are prescribed in the form of a pill, capsule, or liquid that you take orally. They work by increasing your brain’s production of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The highest-rated alcohol and drug addiction treatment center in Missouri.

  1. Depressants slow heart rate and respiration, which is incredibly dangerous in high doses.
  2. Depressants exert their effects through a number of different pharmacological mechanisms, the most prominent of which include facilitation of GABA and inhibition of glutamatergic or monoaminergic activity.
  3. It has sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and central nervous system depressant properties.

Types of Stimulants

This effect is when the original issue being treated comes back even stronger. For example, a person taking Xanax for anxiety often experiences worse anxiety. However, medical detox provides a safe environment that minimizes the symptoms of withdrawal. Z-drugs are a prescription sedative that specifically treats insomnia and other sleep disorders. These sleeping pills are chemically different than other CNS depressant drugs. For example, they stimulate GABA neurotransmitters differently.

However, the more a person drinks, the changes in the brain bring negative emotions and responses. Opiates refer to natural opioids such as morphine and codeine. Opioids refer to all natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic opioids, like heroin and oxycodone. Some GHB receptors modulators only bind to the GHB receptor, while others bind to both the GHB and GABAB receptors. It is easily accessible, making it one of the most consumed and addictive. One who is addicted may engage in many risky behaviors that can affect them and those who love them.

Health Effects of Stimulants versus Depressants

However, they have adverse side effects, especially if they contain harmful additives. In addition to heart problems, studies suggest the continued use of stimulants, specifically, using cocaine, can permanently cause significant changes in the brain. Damage from stimulants includes reducing the white matter, which deals with stress management, impulse control, and decision-making. Whether an upper or downer, there is no drug that is 100% safe to use, and misuse of a drug increases all risks of use.

At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people struggle with opioid addiction. Opioids are the most commonly used prescription pain medication. Opioids such as Methadone, are also used in the treatment of opioid addiction.

They will also go through extreme weight loss and dental problems from teeth grinding or smoking. Stimulant abuse can also cause insomnia, as the drug keeps them awake at night. Initially, stimulant users will seem energized with a positive attitude. However, as they continue to use it, they need higher doses to get that effect.