CNS Depressants

By | Jul 11, 2010

CNS Depressants

Central nervous system depressants can be divided into two categories in which they are produced. Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines are the two forms that CNS depressants can be take. The overall effect that CNS depressants have on the body is to slow down the functions of the brain. CNS depressants are prescribed to help people cope with anxiety, sleeping disorders, and panic attacks.

Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines

Barbiturates are produced to help those suffering from anxiety, tension, and various sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are used to treat people suffering from panic attacks as well as the problems that barbiturates treat. These two types of drugs are used to suppress natural feelings that are produced by the body and relax the individual. Both have statistically shown overtime to help those suffering and are very efficient and effective in ridding the effects of panic attacks, completely.

Effects of Abuse

The effects of the abuse of CNS depressants mirror those of alcohol abusers. The abuse can drastically alter the brain and body’s ability to complete normal functions, impairing the brain and slowing down natural conscious and unconscious bodily functions. The CNS depressants affect the brain by affecting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. Also known as GABA, the CNS depressants will increase the activity of GABA in the brain which, in turn, will cause the brain and its functions to slow down. This slowing down affect allows the brain and body to calm itself. This is why, when used as directed, CNS depressants are very effective for those suffering from sleeping disorders or anxiety.

An abuser of CNS depressants can encounter serious consequences when trying to control their addiction. The abuser’s body is accustomed to the depressant’s slowing of the brain and body. When the body is not receiving those feelings, it will begin to speed back up. This sudden change can sometimes cause seizures or more serious, harmful effects. When mixed with other substances, CNS depressants are very dangerous and can be life threatening. Those trying to kick the drug habit have benefited from numerous types of behavior modification methods. The behavioral methods allow the addict’s mind to become less dependent upon the depressant.

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