Effects
Many drugs can be classified as depressants. These range from legal drugs like alcohol to Schedule 1 illegal drugs, such as heroin, that serve no medical purpose. Oftentimes prescription drug abuse can be connected to depressants as well. While the way the drug is consumed may vary, properties and effects of depressants are similar.
Which Drugs are Considered Depressants?
A depressant is any drug that slows down the central nervous system (CNS). However, many people abuse depressants because it also causes euphoria. While this effect increases the potential for abuse, many of these drugs do have medical uses.
The three main types of drugs that are classified as depressants are opioids, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. These drugs treat issues such as pain, anxiety, seizures and sleep disorders. While they can be extremely useful, depressants come with both short-term and long-term side effects.
Short-Term Effects of Depressants
For those who need depressants to deal with a bigger issue, the side effects of depressants may not seem too difficult to deal with. However, those who abuse these drugs may experience amplified negative effects. Some of these include:
Drowsiness | Difficulty concentrating | Blurred vision | Memory trouble | Confusion | Poor judgement | Reduced heart rate | Shallow breathing
All of these side effects have the potential to be dangerous, especially for those who continue to operate vehicles and try to live a “normal” life while addicted to depressants.
The two most dangerous side effects, though, are reduced heart rate and shallow breathing. Depressants can slow your breathing and heart rate to the point of coma or death if you take too much, too quickly.
Long-Term Effects of Depressants
The most common long-term effect of depressants is addiction. Once you develop a tolerance and continually increase your dose, you become dependent upon the drug. After a while, your addiction may even begin to control your entire life. Aside from dependence and addiction, some of the other long-term side effects are:
Sexual dysfunction | Respiratory and cardiovascular problems | Sleep disorders
Doctors don’t frequently recommend staying on depressants for a long period of time, because of the potential for dependence and addiction.
Rehab and Recovery for Depressants Addiction
If you’re suffering from an addiction to depressant drugs, you can get your life back. After a medically managed detox program, rehab can help you get back on your feet and learn to live in sobriety. Reach out to us today to learn more about our extensive detox and addiction resources.