Substance Abuse
Depressants
Jerrad Christopher Baker College Online
What is a depressant?
Abuse of Depressants
The Center for Disease Control describes alcohol abuse as a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work (CDC, 2015). Symptoms of alcohol intoxication include unstable mood, inappropriate behavior such as aggression and impaired cognition (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). Frequent use of alcohol can lead to a physical dependence and withdraw when alcohol consumption is abruptly stopped. Symptoms of alcohol withdraw include diaphoresis, increased heart rate, tremors and more seriously delirium tremens (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014).
Symptoms of intoxication from Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates include a feeling of euphoria, sleepiness, uncoordinated movements, unsteady gait and slurred speech (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). These medications also affect the central nervous system and overdose can lead to serious complications such as decreased respirations, heart rate and blood pressure (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). These complications can be potentially fatal causing respiratory and/or cardiac arrest (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014).
Risk Factors for Developing Substance Abuse
Treatments
Abuse of depressants can lead to long-term behavioral complications. Repeated use of drugs such as Benzodiazepines, barbiturates and alcohol can lead to changes in the brain in the rewards region (Nestler, 2013). This is why it is important to seek treatment for substance abuse disorders.
Myths and Facts
Fact: alcohol causes more problems than heroin or crack cocaine.
2) Drug addicts are bad people.
Fact: People from all backgrounds, religious and political beliefs can be affected.
3) Once an addict always an addict.
Fact: There are many success stories of those who have overcome addiction.
Retrieved from: http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/common-myths-about-drug-addiction/
References
Journal of Psychiatry Vol 162 (8). Retrieved from
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.8.1452.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). (2015). Alcohol and Public Health. Retrieved
From http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/index.htm.
Darbro, N. & Driscoll, K. (2012). Substance Abuse: Risk Factors and Protective
Factors. Journal of Nursing Regulation Vol 3 (1). Retrieved from
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.wgu.idm.oclc.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vi
=1&sid=5c503879bbd147b7911b8535625f77ed%40sessionmgr4003&hid
4102.
Nesteler, E. (2013). Epigenetic mechanisms of drug addiction. Neuropharmacology
vol 76 (b). Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002839081300141X.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education:
New York, NY.