Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines are examples of depressant drugs.

Examples of Depressants

* Decreased heart rate
* Decreased blood pressure

Depressants Effects on the Body

* Low doses increase relaxation
* Low doses decrease inhibitions
* High doses can induce sleep
* High dose can cause motor disturbance
* High dose can cause memory loss
* High dose can cause decreased respiratory function, and death

Effects of Depressants when Used

Depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, function as agonists of the gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system, producing a quieting effect on the brain. Their primary site of action is the GABA-gated chloride (Cl–) channel, which has multiple distinct receptor sites. These sites can bind not only to depressant drugs but also to GABA itself and to neurosteroids.

Depressants Mechanism of Action

Repeated use of central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, can lead to physical dependence, which manifests as tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependence on these substances can also develop, contributing to their high potential for abuse.

Dependence and Abuse Potential of Depressants

Read the following scenario. Based on the observed effects, identify the most likely class of psychoactive substance involved and explain its fundamental effect on the central nervous system.

Symptom Analysis of Psychoactive Substance Use

Analyze the likely combined effect of the medication and alcohol on the patient's body. Explain the underlying physiological reason for this outcome and identify the most critical potential danger.

Analysis of Combined Substance Effects

Depressants, also known as sedative-hypnotics, are a class of psychoactive drugs that suppress the activity of the central nervous system. Due to their quieting effect on the brain, they are often prescribed by medical professionals to manage conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.

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- Psychotherapeutics

- Opioids

- Depressants

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- Hallucinogens

- Stimulants

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Psychoactive Drugs

* Opioids
* Depressants
* Hallucinogens
* Stimulants

Psychologically Addictive Psychoactive Drugs

Depressants. Depressants - Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/depressants/ 

Depressants

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Diagram of psychoactive drugs

Opioids are pain-reducing drugs, such as heroin, morphine, methadone, and codeine, that can mimic the body's endogenous opioid painkilling system. Because this system reduces pain and can produce euphoria, opioids have a high potential for abuse.

Opioids

Stimulants are drugs that send more messages throughout the body. You feel more awake, energetic, and alert. Simulants are also a type of psychotropic medication that can be prescribed for ADHD. Common brand names are Adderall and Ritalin. They work by improving the individual's ability to focus on tasks and maintain attention. Some of the side effects include lack of appetite, sleeping probelms, stomachache, and headache.

Stimulants

A cannabinoid is any substance that attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. There are three types of cannabinoids include; recreational, medicinal, and synthetic.

- Cannabis
- Hemp
- THC

Cannabinoids

Empathogens increase a persons feeling of empathy through the release of dopamine and serotonin. Through the release of serotonin, there is an increase in mood, appetite, and sleep.

- Ethylone
- MDMA

Empathogens

Psychedelics, another name being hallucinogens, are a class of drug that changes perceptions and mood. They affect a persons thinking, emotions, and sense of time.

Psychedelics

A class of psychoactive drugs that is often characterized with symptoms of distorted perceptions and detachment.

- PCP
- Ketamine

Dissociatives

Hallucinogens are a category of psychoactive drugs known for causing significant distortions in a user's sensory and perceptual experiences, affecting how a person sees, feels, and perceives the world. This class of drugs is notably diverse, impacting a variety of different neurotransmitter systems.

Hallucinogens

Depressants (Sedative-Hypnotics)

The effects produced by all psychoactive drugs are a result of their interactions with the body's natural, or endogenous, neurotransmitter systems.

Psychoactive Drugs' Interaction with Neurotransmitter Systems

The human body possesses an endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system. This system naturally produces small amounts of opioid compounds that bind to opioid receptors, resulting in pain reduction and feelings of euphoria.

Endogenous Opioid System

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is an organization that provides informational resources, such as the 'Commonly Abused Drugs Chart' and the 'Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Chart,' for individuals seeking to learn more about frequently misused prescription and street drugs.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Resources

An individual is observed to have constricted pupils, slurred speech, and a significantly slowed breathing rate. They appear drowsy and disoriented. This specific combination of physiological and behavioral effects is most characteristic of which class of psychoactive substances?

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