Drugs are a type of product that, when taken, generate a series of pleasant sensations and experiences for the individual, hooking them into wanting to consume repeatedly. However, both in the short and long term, these substances severely alter their psychology, harming their lifestyle. Today, we explain how some of the so-called depressant drugs affect the body.
The Effect of Depressant Drugs
The basic functioning of any narcotic is the modification of the central reward system that every person possesses. When taken, it damages their “compass” that guides their emotions, motivations, and life goals due to the effects they cause. This phenomenon is commonly known as drug dependence or addiction.
How Depressant Drugs Work
The types of substances that exist today in both the legal and illegal markets are divided into stimulant drugs, psychodysleptic drugs, and depressant drugs. Specifically, the latter affect the central nervous system of the person who takes them and induce a state of relaxation that causes several effects. Among these, the most notable are high muscle relaxation, laxity of consciousness, and cognitive slowing.
This new state caused by depressant drugs leads to various physiological and psychological symptoms in the person. For example, a reduction in heart rate and respiration. Furthermore, these effects are accentuated and act synergistically, increasing in number when two or more substances of the same category are combined. Therefore, consuming them in great variety can lead to consequences such as coma or death.
Depressant drugs are also capable of causing increased tolerance, a withdrawal syndrome, and the phenomenon of cross-tolerance. This concept is based on the idea that if tolerance increases the body’s resistance to the effects caused by the drug, cross-tolerance does the same with all narcotics of the same class. That is, with the rest of the depressant drugs. Thus, for example, if a person frequently consumes a large amount of alcohol, they will eventually develop a tolerance to anxiolytics when taking them individually.
The Most Common Types of Depressant Drugs:
Below are some of the most consumed depressant chemical substances that primarily affect the central nervous system:
Alcohol
Alcohol is the common and popular name for the substance ethanol. Its origin lies in the aerobic fermentation of sugar found in some fruits, mediated by the effect of fungi and yeasts. Its consumer products can be divided into fermented beverages and distilled beverages, with the latter containing a higher amount of ethanol. Particularly, it affects women more severely due to metabolic processes that occur in their bodies.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription drug used to treat acute psychological disorders. In the case of disorders with only mental effects, they are used for anxiety, for example. In the case of disorders with physiological effects, they can help reduce panic episodes.
High consumption of this class of depressant drugs can induce sleep, hypnosis, and even cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, inhibition of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, insufficient lubrication, dysphasia, tremors, diarrhea, and constipation.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are another type of depressant drug composed of barbituric acid that was often used in the 1960s. However, their high addictive capacity led to several fatal intoxications, and it was finally decided to abandon them and replace them with anxiolytics. Another substance with a lower capacity to generate addiction.
Currently, barbiturates are used exclusively for intravenous anesthesia in some surgical operations and for the resuscitation of craniocerebral trauma.
GHB
GHB or gamma-hydroxybutyrate is a narcotic also known as liquid ecstasy. It is a transparent substance with a salty taste that is often used illegally in nightlife activities. Its composition allows it to go unnoticed when poured into any type of drink.
GHB causes increased euphoria and a great state of disinhibition that can translate into violent behavior on the part of the individual who consumes it. It can also cause visual hallucinations, which induce nervous behavior and would explain the agitation and emotional collapse that one may suffer.
Kava
Marketed as an alternative medicine to treat severe anxiety, kava induces a state of extreme relaxation and calm without losing control over cognitive abilities. However, there is still no scientific evidence today to demonstrate its healing properties.
Heroin
Heroin is perhaps one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in the world. Made from morphine, this substance is sold as a white powder or also as a sticky, black product. However, there are other forms of administration, such as inhalation and smoking. It is common for addicts to mix this narcotic with cocaine to increase its intensity.
Depending on its method of administration, it can cause very serious health problems. For example, damage to the structure of the nasal passages, insomnia, pericarditis, chronic constipation, emotional difficulties, and degradation of renal and hepatic functions. Furthermore, chronic infections and lethal overdoses are also common due to misuse and excessively high addiction.
CCAdicciones is a center for the treatment of dependencies and disorders that can help people with drug problems. If you need support, contact our professional therapists and we will inform you.
