“Help” Turns Fatal:

Despite many false claims of benefit, depressants are dangerous substances that are widely abused. One study in 2012 found that 270,000 people abused depressants, 135,000 of which were diagnosed with drug dependence or a drug abuse problem.

Furthermore, nothing can mask or undermine the insidious nature of depressants such as Xanax, which currently has 46 million Americans in its grip, or Zyprexa that, per one report, was the cause of 20 deaths (including 12 suicides) or Seroquel which is especially implicated in cardiac arrest and sudden death.

What are depressants?

Sometimes called “downers,” depressants are drugs which act on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and slow brain function. They include sedatives (used to make a person calm and drowsy) and tranquilizers (intended to reduce tension or anxiety). They come in multicolored tablets and capsules or in liquid form. Some depressants, such as Zyprexa, Seroquel and Haldol, are known as “antipsychotics,” as they are supposed to reduce symptoms of mental illness. Depressants such as Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion and Librium are often referred to as “benzos” (short for benzodiazepines, a tranquilizer that acts to relax muscles and calm mental excitement). Other depressants, such as Amytal, Nembutal and Seconal, are classed as barbiturates (drugs used as sedatives and sleeping pills). Additional brand names include: Valium, Ativan and Phenobarbital.

THE Harmful EFFECTS OF depressants

Short-term damage

Some of the many negative effects of depressants include:

Slow brain function and poor concentration

Disorientation, confusion or dizziness

Fever

Visual disturbances

Difficulty or inability to urinate

Fatigue and sluggishness

Slurred speech

Dilated pupils

Addiction

Higher doses can cause impairment of memory, judgment and coordination, irritability, agitation or aggression, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.

Using depressants with other substances, particularly alcohol, can lead to death. As well, even a person who has never used a single substance in his life can overdose from mixing multiple depressants.

Long-term damage

Tolerance to many depressants can develop rapidly, with larger doses needed to achieve the same effect. The user may subsequently raise their dosage to a level that results in coma or death. Long-term use of depressants can also produce:

Depression

Chronic fatigue

Breathing difficulties

Sleep problems

Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, anxiety or panic, weakness, high body temperature, delirium, hallucinations and convulsions. Unlike the liability of most drugs, with depressants, withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Depressants can also increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and weight gain (as much as 100 pounds in some cases).

In one study conducted over a four-year period, antipsychotics (a type of depressant) were the prime suspects in 45 deaths caused by heart problems, choking, liver failure and suicide.

A depressant called Rohypnol is a tranquilizer about 10 times more potent than Valium. It is available as a white or olive-green pill which users crush into powder and snort, sprinkle on marijuana and smoke, dissolve in a drink or inject. Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because of its paralyzing effects. A person can become so incapacitated that they collapse with their eyes open, able to observe but completely unable to move. Afterwards, memory is impaired and they cannot recall what happened. The person experiences loss of muscle control, confusion, drowsiness and amnesia.

A “downer” can take you 6 feet deep

While some depressants can have medicinal value when used correctly (such as anesthesia), abuse of depressants is extremely harmful and lethal. In the case of medications used for psychological reasons, people are mislead to believe that these will help them cope with their problems, but the fact is these drugs end up ruining lives though addiction, physical harm and often death.

To the pharmaceutical industry, it’s not about individuals or their welfare, it’s about making billions of dollars a year. Yet every statistic represents a mother, a child, a father, a friend or a loved one lost. The problem is not a “mental problem”—it’s a humanity problem.

THE SOLUTION

The real answer is to get the facts and safeguard yourself, and your future, by not taking drugs in the first place. Consult a doctor or look for alternative solutions to handle any condition you may be suffering from.

In the final analysis, drugs do more damage than good. They destroy the body, impair the mind and can take everything from you. Help educate others and end their destructive grip on our society.

For more information on Depressants, visit https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription-drugs.html.

Drug Free World is the largest and most comprehensive international nongovernmental drug educational and prevention program. Its videos, booklets and teaching aids and free online courses are available in 20 languages. Visit the Drug-Free World website at https://drugfreeworld.org.