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Unfortunately, many individuals have found themselves struggling with addiction to depressant drugs. The effects of central nervous system depressants can be severe and life-altering when individuals use these drugs improperly. Thankfully, however, there is hope.
Many substances fall under the category of central nervous system depressant drugs. For instance, alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. In addition, it can produce many of the same effects on your body as prescription depressant drugs. Convenient locations where you can buy alcohol can let you overlook the dangers that it poses.
The truth of the matter is, depressant substances are all around; people can easily access prescription depressant drugs. Although these drugs are meant to treat various medical concerns, some people may end up developing an addiction to these substances. But, depressant addiction treatment can help end this problem, once and for all.
What are Depressant Drugs?
Central nervous system depressants slow down your reaction to your surroundings. Medical professionals may prescribe depressant drugs to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Depressants (also known as “downers”) may also help treat people who are dealing with sleep disorders and are in need of sleep aids.
Depressants can cause calmness when individuals use them correctly. But, those who use depressant drugs improperly may experience a host of less desirable short-term effects, such as the following:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Sluggishness
- Lowered blood pressure
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
Depressant abuse can even cause extremely shallow and slow breathing, which could have fatal consequences. It is important to avoid mixing depressant drugs with other depressant substances, such as alcohol or medications.
Types of Central Nervous System Depressants
Some common categories of depressant drugs include the following:
Non-Benzodiazepines – Treat sleep disorders, panic disorders, and more
- Sonata
- Lunesta
- Ambien
Benzodiazepines – Treat sleep disorders, panic disorders, and more
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Halcion
- Valium
- Prosom
Barbiturates
- Luminal
- Mebaral
- Nembutal
Depressants that slow the brain’s activity can treat feelings of panic and anxiety. However, in combination with other drugs, they become even more powerful. They can have a magnifying effect that applies to other drugs when they are used together. The combination of drugs can produce a high risk for danger.
As aids that can help solve problems with sleeping and reacting to stress, depressant medications can offer necessary relief. However, depressant drugs can damage your health if you use them without a doctor’s supervision. Knowing the names and effects of some of the most often prescribed depressants can help you know what to avoid.
How Depressant Addiction Develops
The misuse of prescription depressant drugs can occur when individuals use:
- Someone else’s prescription depressants
- More medication than was recommended by their doctor
- Depressant medications more frequently than recommended
- Depressant drugs in ways that are not recommended (i.e. snorting, injecting, etc.)
It may start with substance abuse. But it can quickly become a substance use disorder. Even when drug use has the approval of a doctor, the path to addiction becomes clearer with the need to use more and more. When a tolerance for a drug takes effect, doses become larger and more frequent.
If you develop a dependence on depressants, you may find that you no longer have control over your body. Even though your emotional state may seem to cause your need for drugs, the situation becomes more complex than that. Physical changes that go on in your brain make addiction even more difficult to escape than you may imagine.
Finding Help Through Rehab
Lifetime Recovery can help you escape the misery of depressant abuse. You may feel hopeless or helpless, but our compassionate counselors can help you! Our tailored programs can work to meet your specific needs as you pursue recovery and freedom from addiction. We treat everyone as an individual with unique needs. Whether you suffer from addiction or a mental health condition, our treatment model can produce the results you desire. Your goals become our motivation to help you reach them!
Treatment for Depressant Addiction at Lifetime Recovery
We offer a program that treats addiction and mental health issues when they occur together. We also offer a partial care program that grants patients access to addiction counseling and educational materials. We make psychiatric services available when necessary.
In our outpatient treatment program, patients can engage in therapy, in both group and one-on-one settings. We offer family sessions as well. Our intensive outpatient program enables patients to live at home and attend a few hours of treatment each week. We also offer an approach that uses medications to assist in treating alcohol use disorder combined with opioid use disorder. Find a fresh start without addiction, contact us to begin gaining the freedom you deserve.
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Use this form to send us a message. One of our recovery specialists will get back to you.
References
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=554baee5-b171-4452-a50a-41a0946f956c
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-cns-depressants
https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D002492
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Depressants-2020.pdf
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=554baee5-b171-4452-a50a-41a0946f956c