Anxiety Disorders
Depressants are substances that slow down normal function of the central nervous system. They include barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Alcohol and marijuana are also described as depressants. Barbiturates are prescribed as sedatives under the commercial names Amytal, Nembutal and Phenobarbital among others. They are used to treat anxiety, tension and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are prescribed as tranquilizers with the brand names Valium and Xanax. They are used to treat anxiety, acute stress and panic attacks. Depressants affect neurotransmitters, which provide communication between brain cells, by decreasing brain activity. This action produces the calming effect and drowsiness that can benefit people suffering from anxiety, stress or other disorders. But these benefits can bring about the potential for abuse and addiction.
Tranquility
People taking depressants will feel calm, but the body may become accustomed to the effects of the drug, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). When these drugs are used over a long period of time, the feelings of calm and tranquility may soon disappear and larger doses of the drug are needed to achieve the same effects. Continued use may lead to dependence, making it difficult to stop because of the withdrawal effects. When a person stops taking depressants after a long time, the brain's activity may start to race out of control. This can lead to seizures and other harmful consequences. People who want to stop using prescription drugs and those who have become addicted through illicit means should seek medical treatment to avoid life-threatening complications from the withdrawal symptoms.
Comfort Level
Alcohol is often considered the most commonly used and abused depressant, mainly because it is readily available without prescription. Its complications may be far worse than other depressants. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease and heart disease. Marijuana use may lead to the inability to concentrate and pay attention for a long time. People who have a desire to change their emotional state of mind to avoid uncomfortable feelings may use legal and illegal depressants. Unfortunately, prolonged use of these drugs eventually causes the opposite effect. The depression and negative emotions get worse as the brain desires more of the drug. The physical and mental dependence may lead to addiction and possible dangerous overdose. But addicts feel as though they are functionally normally when they are under the influence of depressants. To retain that comfortable feeling they need the drug as much as food or sleep. Fortunately, addiction to depressants is one of the most common treatable diseases, according to All About Drugs, a website sponsored by National Rehabs, a nationwide drug alcohol rehab referral center. It just takes the will power of the addict to quit and seek treatment.
