Depressant drugs include alcohol, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. These substances increase the activity of an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA, short for gamma aminobutyric acid. Clinically, depressants are used to treat insomnia, anxiety and panic disorders, according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.
Sensory and Emotional Effects
The "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" explains that depressant drugs make users feel a sense of calmness and relaxation. At some dosages, these drugs may also alter the user's sensory perceptions. Some people may become addicted to the feelings produced by depressant drugs.
Tolerance
Tolerance develops to depressant drugs because the nervous system is able to adapt to the presence of the drug, requiring the user to take higher doses in order to achieve the desired feelings or effects. Over time, tolerance turns into physical dependence, explains the "Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology."
Withdrawal Symptoms
The development of withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing a drug to which the body has grown accustomed to is the hallmark of a physical dependence on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from depressant drugs are often unpleasant and include feelings of anxiety, irritability, insomnia, racing heart and loss of appetite. People addicted to depressants will often continue to take them in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, states the "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders."
References
- The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: Depressants
- "The Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (Third Edition)"; Richard J. Frances et al.; 2005
- "The Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry R. Kranzler, M.D., and Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D.; 2005
