Depressants Maria Tovar & Daja’ Norvell

1. DepressantsMaria Tovar & Daja’ Norvell

2. Depressants • Depressants: A drug that lowers or depresses arousal levels and reduces excitability, also relieves anxiety and insomnia. -Alcohol -Barbiturates -Cannabis -Opioids -Marijuana Any drug that reduces the functioning of the central nervous system or any other part of the body.

3. About Depressants • Used as prescription medicines or illegal substances. • You can become addicted to them. • Available as pills powder or liquids. • Can be swallowed, ejected, smoked, or snorted. • The use of depressants can result in a slowed pulse and breathing, slurred speech, drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, poor concentration, fatigue and confusion, as well as impaired coordination, memory and judgment.

4. Statistics on drugs • Teenagers whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about the dangers of drug use are 42 percent less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t. • More than 60 percent of teens said that drugs were sold, used, or kept at their school. • 20 percent of 8th graders report that they have tried marijuana. • The majority of high school students disapproved of legalizing the private use of LSD (63%), heroin (71%), amphetamines and barbiturates (56%), and marijuana (39%).

5. Quiz T/F • Marijuana is not a depressant. • You can become addicted to depressants. Multiple choice 3. What percent of 8th graders report they have tried marijuana? a.) 60% b.) 30% c.) 20% d.) 90% 4. Which is NOT a side-effect of a depressant? a.) Slowed pulse b.) slurred speech c.) higher blood pressure d.) poor concentration 5. What form do depressants come in? a.) liquid b.) pills c.) power d.) all of the above

6. Answers • 1. F • 2. T • 3. C.) 20% • 4. C) Higher blood pressure • 5. D) All of the above