-Depressants are drugs that cause relaxation and sleepiness
-They slow down the breathing and reduce brain activity
-Depressants include tranquilizers (mild depressants used to treat anxiety) and hypnotics (powerful depressants that are used to treat sleep disorders and seizures)
-Effects on the body include relaxation, loss of inhibition, drowsiness, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, and possible memory loss
-An overdose can result in brain damage, a coma, or even death. Most deaths occur when they are used in combination with alcohol
Rohypnol- powerful hypnotic
-also known as roofies or the forget pill is one of the most frequently used date-rape drugs, most often mixed with alcohol
- a person on Rohypnol will lose his/her inhibitions, become disoriented, and may not be able to remember what occurred while on the drug
DXM- (Dextromethorphan) is a legal ingredient in cough syrup that helps stop coughing -in high doses its effects are similar to PCP
Facts
-Long-term use of depressants can cause depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties and sleep problems.
-One of the most common depressants is alcohol
-Withdrawal symptoms can include insomnia, weakness and nausea
-Depressants can also increase the risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and can cause you to gain weight
-Some street names include Barbs, Candy, Downers, Phennies, Reds, and Red
Birds
Kathleen’s Story
Kathleen’s Daughter Ali died at the age of 18 after binge drinking at a
