Some of the most commonly misused substances are depressants, and they are also some of the most dangerous ones to abuse. But what are examples of depressants? Reach out to Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more and begin healing from an addiction at one of our drug addiction treatment centers.
What Are Examples of Depressants? How They Function and More
Depressants are substances that reduce stimulation and brain activity. They affect the central nervous system, decreasing the messages between your body and brain. They can quickly lead to addiction because they can calm you and offer a feeling of euphoria.
Though there are many types, perhaps the most common depressants examples are alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
Alcohol: Most Common of the Depressants Examples
Alcohol is a household staple, so it can be tough to understand how it can impact the brain and your overall body.
In fact, alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and makes it harder for your brain to control your balance, speech, memory, and coordination.
Over time, alcohol can make structural changes to your brain, worsening or even causing mental health concerns and making emotional regulation and stress management more difficult.
Alcohol is also one of the most difficult and dangerous depressants to detox from because of the powerful withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
The most dangerous withdrawal symptoms occur if you develop delirium tremens or DTs. They can be life-threatening symptoms that include seizures, severely increased heart rate, and disorientation.
Benzodiazepines: Treatments for Anxiety
Benzodiazepines are also depressants and are meant to treat anxiety disorders, as well as seizures, and other mental health concerns.
Some common benzodiazepines are:
- Xanax
- Librium
- Klonopin
- Valium
- Ativan
Benzodiazepines function by telling your brain to release a neurotransmitter called GABA, which makes your nervous system less active. The drugs flood your system with dopamine, too, creating a pleasurable experience your brain will want to repeat.
That, combined with the rapidity with which you can develop a tolerance to the drug, makes benzodiazepines highly addictive.
Barbiturates: Promoting Relaxation With Sedative-Hypnotic Qualities
Like other depressants, barbiturates cause you to feel calm and drowsy by affecting your central nervous system. They’re prescribed to treat seizures and insomnia.
These drugs are sedative-hypnotics that function by increasing the levels of the brain chemical GABA.
Some barbiturates are:
- Luminal
- Sezaby
- Nembutal sodium
Because they cause the release of endorphins, helping you feel good, your brain prompts you to want to repeat the experience.
Treating an Addiction to Depressants
Depressants are dangerous substances that can interfere with parts of your body, but crucially, they can affect your breathing. This puts your life at risk. If you have an addiction to depressants, the best thing you can do is enter treatment.
We offer medical detox services to ensure you avoid the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, which is crucial when going through alcohol withdrawal.
We also offer residential and outpatient services to help guide you through every step of your recovery. At our centers, you will have access to the latest therapeutic techniques for treating substance use disorders.
After completing treatment, you also have access to aftercare services that can help you get back to a healthy life.
Promises – Drug Addiction Treatment Centers to Start Healing
With all of the treatment options we offer and the various facilities we have, you can get the exact level of care you need. We know just how difficult getting sober is, and we are here to help.
Call Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 to learn more about how we can guide you on the path to long-term sobriety.