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DEPRESSANTS

DEPRESSANTS. What you should know. What is a depressant?. A drug that slows down the functions of the brain and body. Reduces Heart rate, Blood Pressure and breathing rate Impairs memory and judgment (Decision-Making) Reduces coordination/Reaction time. Common Depressants .

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DEPRESSANTS

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  1. DEPRESSANTS What you should know

  2. What is a depressant? • A drug that slows down the functions of the brain and body. • Reduces Heart rate, Blood Pressure and breathing rate • Impairs memory and judgment (Decision-Making) • Reduces coordination/Reaction time

  3. Common Depressants • Benzodiazepines (Tranquilizers) • Barbiturates • Hypnotics • Alcohol

  4. Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), Barbiturates and Hypnotics • Often referred to as sedatives • When used as prescribed… • Can relieve anxiety • Can reduce muscle tension • Can help with Insomnia (sleeplessness)

  5. Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), Barbiturates and Hypnotics Cont. • When misused or abused… • Physical dependency (Addiction) • Can lead to sleep disturbances/problems • Can cause respiratory depression/arrest • Can result in death

  6. Alcohol • The most commonly abused depressant! • Effects nearly every system in the body • Affects adults and teens somewhat differently

  7. Physical effects of alcohol • Short-term • Bad breath (smells of alcohol) • Increased sweating (body Odor) • Increased stomach acid • Nausea  vomiting

  8. Physical effects of alcohol • long-term • damage to the esophagus; bleeding • Damage to the heart • Hardened blood vessels • High blood pressure • Damage to the liver • Stomach ulcers • Inflamed pancreas

  9. Mental effects of alcohol • Short-term • Slurred speech • Blurred vision • Reduced coordination • Impaired Judgment • Impaired memory • Slowed reaction time

  10. Mental effects of alcohol • Long-term • Brain cells destroyed • Nerve damage • Numbness in hands/feet

  11. Emotional effects of alcohol • Short-Term • Aggression • Long-term • Sudden Mood swings

  12. Social effects of alcohol • Short-term • May say things you don’t really mean (be cruel) • may do something you’ll regret (Lower inhibitions) • Acting stupid • Unplanned sexual activity • Unprotected sexual activity • Violent behavior

  13. Social effects of alcohol • Long-term • Loss of friendships/relationships • Jail time • Loss of employment

  14. Remember… • Alcohol is a dangerous drug • It effects all three sides of the health triangle • And… • Just say no • Everyone is not doing it

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