Depressants
Are substances that decrease or slow down CNS activity
Doses:
Low doses -> calming effect on the body & mind
High doses -> slowing down the heart rate & brain activity to dangerously low levels
ALCOHOL
SEDATIVES
OPIOIDS (NARCOTICS)
Increases GABA activity
If taken during pregnancy, can destroy the developing neurons in a fetal brain -> learning disabilities, poor judgement, or mental retardation
Suppresses higher social regulatory functions -> suppressed inhibitions
Heavy consumption -> blackouts, increased risk of throat or liver cancer, fat accumulation which blocks blood to the live, loss of brain tissue
Cirrhosis - accumulation of nonfunctional scar tissue in the liver
Binge drinking - (men) 5 drinks in a row, (women) 4 “
Increases GABA activity
If taken during pregnancy, can destroy the developing neurons in a fetal brain -> learning disabilities, poor judgement, or mental retardation
Create feeling of stupor
Low doses -> slowed heart rate, relaxed muscles & mind
Barbiturates:
Benzodiazepines
Secobarbital (Seconal)
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Diazepam (Valium)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Low doses -> create feeling of pain relief; decrease CNS activity, slow down (heart rate, respiration, digestion, coughing)
High doses -> intense euphoria
Naturally derived:
Morphine
Partially synthetic:
Heroin
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Oxycodone (Percocet or Percodan)
Synthetic:
Codeine