Depressants
For centuries, people of almost every culture have used chemical agents to induce sleep, relieve stress, and calm anxiety. While alcohol is one of the oldest and most universal agents used for these purposes, hundreds of substances have been developed that produce central nervous system depression.
These drugs have been referred to as downers, sedatives, hypnotics, minor tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and anti-anxiety medications. Unlike many classes of drugs, depressants are rarely produced in illegal warehouses, but in pharmaceutical laboratories. While these drugs are made for legitimate medical needs of patients, they are often abused with dangerous results.
Types of Depressants
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Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed February 2008.
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Depressants. Accessed February 2008.
More on teen drug abuse
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed February 2008.
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Depressants. Accessed February 2008.
More on teen drug abuse