Why Depressant Drugs Are Real Downers

Why Depressant Drugs Are Real Downers

Table of Contents I: What Are Depressants?... 3 What Do Depressants Do and How Are They Taken?... 4 Depressant Addiction and Overdose Deaths... 5 How CNS Depressants Work on the Brain... 5 Types of Depressants... 5 Barbiturates... 5 Benzodiazepines (benzos)... 5 Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics... 6 Short- and Long-Term Side Effects of Depressants... 7 II: Addiction to Depressants: A Common Problem... 8 Why Do People Abuse Depressants?... 9 How Depressant Use Can Lead to Addiction... 10 III: Treatment for Depressant Addiction... 11 Hope for People with Depressant Addiction... 12 Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers: Offering World-Class Care for CNS Depressant Addiction... 12 Detox, Residential, and Outpatient Treatment... 13 Specialized Programming and Holistic Therapies... 13 A Complete Continuum of Care... 13 2

Chapter 1 WHAT ARE DEPRESSANTS? 3

Depressants are psychoactive drugs that temporarily disrupt the signals from the brain to the body and help calm your nerves. This makes them useful for treating sleep disorders, anxiety, panic disorder, and acute stress. The term depressant is broad and can include several types of drugs from barbiturates to alcohol to cannabis and even tobacco. Alcohol is one of the most well-known depressants, although it is so common that experts tend to separate alcohol-related problems into a category of their own. The focus of this ebook is on central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications, which are used to treat problems like anxiety and insomnia. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are two major classes of CNS depressants. WHAT DO DEPRESSANTS DO AND HOW ARE DEPRESSANTS TAKEN? Depressant medications usually come in pill, capsule, or liquid form and work by slowing normal brain function; in higher doses, they act as tranquilizers. Because they disrupt the signals from the brain to the body, depressants can slow down breathing and heart rate, impair balance, coordination, and reflexes, and even affect a person s perception of time and ability to think logically. This is why depressant medications should only be used as prescribed. Unfortunately, they are commonly abused. Given their widespread availability and potential for abuse, every year thousands of people in the U.S. seek help from drug treatment centers for depressant dependence and addiction. Ahead we ll explore depressant addiction in more detail and look at how CNS depressants affect the brain. We ll also explore the different types of depressants, the short- and long-term effects of their abuse, and what you can do if you or a loved one is suffering with an addiction to depressants. 4

DEPRESSANT ADDICTION AND OVERDOSE DEATHS Addiction to CNS depressants is common. In some cases what starts as normal, prescribed use can lead to drug tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effect), physical dependence, and addiction (compulsive use). Other times a person intentionally takes prescription depressants to get high. Using depressants recreationally especially with other drugs like alcohol or opioids can greatly increase a person s risk of overdose. The Foundation for a Drug Free World reports that depressants, opioids, and antidepressants are responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine/amphetamines combined. 1 HOW CNS DEPRESSANTS WORK ON THE BRAIN Most depressants increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity. When taken as prescribed, CNS depressants can help induce sleep and relieve anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, depression, insomnia, and other conditions. When overused or abused, however, these drugs can cause a range of negative symptoms, from dizziness and headaches to dangerously low blood pressure and slowed breathing. TYPES OF DEPRESSANTS There are many kinds of medically-approved central nervous system depressants. They generally fall into one of the following categories: Barbiturates: Part of a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, barbiturates are derived from barbituric acid. They can help reduce anxiety and induce sleep; as such, they re commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Depressant examples in this class include amobarbital (Amytal) and phenobarbital (Luminal), both of which can be used in different doses to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. Barbiturates have been around for many decades. Abuse of these drugs penetrated the national consciousness after the release of Betty Friedan s book, The Feminine Mystique, in which she described the over-prescription and abuse of barbiturates (and alcohol) by lonely suburban housewives in the 1950s and 1960s. 2 Barbiturates are much less common than they were even a few decades ago. This is because the medical profession has largely replaced barbiturates with benzodiazepines, which when used properly are generally safer. Benzodiazepines ( Benzos ): Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs often used to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions. They have largely replaced barbiturates for medical use; today, they re some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. 5

At normal doses benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety and insomnia; in higher doses they can become dangerous, causing problems like confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death. Benzodiazepines are meant only for short-term use; long-term use or abuse can lead to physical dependency and addiction (compulsive use). Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative-Hypnotics: Another class of central nervous system depressant is non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, which includes the insomnia medications Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). Like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, these drugs bind to GABA receptors in the brain, but they have a longer half-life, which reduces the risk of dependency and tolerance. These drugs are less commonly abused than benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Street Names of Common Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines Drug Type Generic Name Brand Name Street Names Barbiturate Amobarbital Tuinal Downers, Blue Heavens, Blue Velvet, Blue Devils Barbiturate Pentobarbital Nembutal Nembies, Yellow Jackets, Abbots, Mexican Yellows Barbiturate Phenobarbital Luminal Purple Hearts, Goof Balls Barbiturate Secobarbital Seconal Reds, Red Birds, Red Devils, Lilly, F-40s, Pinks, Pink Ladies, Seggy Benzodiazepine Alprazolam Xanax Z-bars; white pills: Handlebars, Bars, White Boys, White Girls, Bicycle Parts; yellow pills: School Bus, Yellow Boys; blue pills: Footballs Benzodiazepine Clonazepam Klonopin Kpin, K, Pin, K-cuts, Super Valium, The Dollar Rate Benzodiazepine Diazepam Valium V s, Blue V s, Yellow V s, Howards, Sleep Away, Tranks Benzodiazepine Lorazepam Ativan Benzos, Downers, Tranks, Roofies, Candy 6

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF DEPRESSANTS CNS depressant medications have dangerous side effects when misused or abused. Short-term effects can include: Slowed brain function Slowed pulse and breathing Reduced blood pressure Sluggishness or fatigue Dizziness Confusion Disorientation Lack of coordination Problems with urination Higher doses can cause impaired memory, problems with coordination, panic attacks, irritability, paranoia, agitation, and aggression. Combining depressant medications with other drugs, including alcohol, opioids, and certain over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, can slow heart rate and breathing and even lead to death. Long-term effects of depressant abuse can include: Physical dependence Addiction Depression Breathing problems Sexual problems Sleep problems Chronic fatigue Suicidal thoughts Over time, abusing depressant medications can lead to weight gain and increase a person s risk of developing other health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Our next section explores depressant addiction. Alcohol & Depressant Meds: A Potentially Deadly Combination Despite its tendency to temporarily stimulate mood and reduce inhibitions, alcohol is actually a depressant. Like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, alcohol increases the effects of GABA an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Taking depressants and consuming alcohol can severely slow heart rhythm and respiration (breathing) and even lead to death. CNS depressants should never be combined with alcohol. 7

Chapter 2 ADDICTION TO DEPRESSANTS: A COMMON PROBLEM 8

Many people believe that unlike street drugs prescription medications are safe. When used as prescribed, this is generally true. However, overdose and overdose deaths from CNS depressants and other prescription drugs (especially opioids) is nevertheless common. In 2015, more than 8,700 people in the U.S. died after overdosing on benzodiazepines. 3 WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE DEPRESSANTS? It s not hard to understand why some people get hooked on opioids, drugs that reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria and well-being; opioids are also easy to get many can be found right in the family medicine cabinet. On the other hand, depressants don t typically produce the feelings of pleasure and euphoria as opioids. So, why do people get hooked? Most central nervous system depressants have a sedating or tranquilizing effect. This can help ease stress, anxiety, and panic. Depressants can also temporarily stop the racing thoughts that can interfere with a person s daily life and negatively impact their psychological health. Sometimes people abuse depressants to self-medicate. Other times to mask emotional pain, or cope with the symptoms of a mental illness like depression. Sometimes recreational use evolves into physical dependence and addiction (compulsive use despite negative consequences). Regardless of how or why a person begins using (or abusing) depressants, continued use of these powerful drugs can have lifelong consequences, including physical dependence and addiction, irreparable damage to relationships, and even permanent organ damage. 9

HOW DEPRESSANT USE CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION Even when prescribed by a doctor, long-term use of depressant medications can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Eventually, addiction can set in. It s important to take a moment to distinguish between physical dependence and addiction, which are not the same thing. Here s how they differ: Physical dependence means a person s body has developed a reliance on the substance to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Dependence can often be treated by tapering off the substance and/or with medications. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use, uncontrollable cravings, and an inability to control drug use, despite negative consequences. Today, the medical community considers addiction a disease, with characteristics and relapse rates similar to other diseases (such as diabetes or asthma). It s possible for a person to be physically dependent on a substance without being addicted to it, or, conversely, to be addicted without having a physical dependence. Often a person has both. Those who are physically dependent and/or addicted to a CNS depressant and stop using the drug abruptly (i.e. quitting cold turkey ) might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include: Anxiety Insomnia Shakiness Agitation Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature Sweating Severe cravings Hallucinations Seizures Withdrawal symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening. People who are addicted to prescription CNS depressants should not stop taking the drug on their own. Instead, they should seek professional help from a reputable treatment center. This is where we turn our attention now. Benzodiazepine Overdose Deaths in the U.S. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, sleep problems, and panic disorder. They are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. When taken as directed for a short duration, benzodiazepines are generally considered safe. Conversely, abusing benzodiazepines (aka benzos ) can have dangerous and even deadly consequences. More than 8,700 people in the U.S. died after overdosing on benzodiazepines in 2015 alone. 3 10

Chapter 3 TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSANT ADDICTION 11

HOPE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSANT ADDICTION If you or someone you love is suffering with an addiction to CNS depressants, there is help and there is hope. The first step in your journey toward recovery is medically-supervised detox. Once your body is no longer physically dependent on the drug, you can begin an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. These programs often include individual, family, and group counseling (tailored to your needs), which are often a vital part of the recovery process. Many people find cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) particularly useful for learning how to modify thinking, behavior, and expectations, and finding better ways of coping with stress. People with depressant addiction often have a co-occurring mental health issue ( dual diagnosis ) such as anxiety, depression, or panic disorder. If this describes you or a loved one, it s important to seek inpatient and/or outpatient treatment from a facility that is properly staffed to treat patients with co-occurring mental health issues. Ideally, the drug treatment center you choose will also be able to provide medically-supervised detox. RETREAT PREMIER ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS: OFFERING WORLD-CLASS CARE FOR CNS DEPRESSANT ADDICTION Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers custom-tailors addiction treatment services to meet the specific needs of each patient. We offer a complete continuum of care for depressant addiction at our two locations in sunny Palm Beach County, FL, and peaceful Lancaster County, PA ideal settings for healing. Our programs include: Inpatient detox services Traditional outpatient treatment Intensive outpatient treatment 12

Detox, Residential, and Outpatient Treatment Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers detox process begins with a comprehensive physical exam, including a discussion of the patient s medical history. Our highly skilled medical team includes credentialed nurses overseen by our medical director; the team closely monitors patients 24/7 to ensure the detox process is progressing smoothly. Once a patient has successfully completed detox they can turn their attention to long-term recovery from drugs and/or alcohol, which typically involves transferring to our residential treatment level of care. Following inpatient treatment, many go on to a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program at our outpatient center as well. Specialized Programming and Holistic Therapies Our programs incorporate individual, family, and group counseling sessions and other services in a safe, supportive environment. We also offer a variety of specialized programming, including: Co-occurring treatment services Pain management services Gender-specific programs LGBTQ services Programs for veterans University partnership program, helping university students navigate early recovery while continuing to pursue their academic goals We also offer a variety of holistic therapies, including culinary, recreational, yoga, art, music, drama, gardening, and massage. A COMPLETE CONTINUUM OF CARE Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers believes in a complete continuum care model. That s why we offer an ehome Aftercare program, which provides clients access to individual, group, and family counseling via computer, tablet, or phone (including text messaging). Our ecounseling is ideal for clients who have a full schedule or who don t live near our Lancaster County and Palm Beach County rehab centers. Please call us today at 800-557-0566 to learn more about our programs and state-of-the-art drug treatment centers. Healing begins at Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers. 13

Sources 1. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/abuse-international-statistics.html 2. http://www.glbtqarchive.com/ssh/womens_liberation_movement_s.pdf 3. https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-depressant-medications 14

ABOUT RETREAT PREMIER ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers was established in 2011 in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with the mission of providing a compassionate and spiritual environment where those suffering from the disease of addiction can begin the journey to recovery by providing enlightenment and education to the individual and their family. Since Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers founding, it has grown into a network of leading alcohol and drug treatment centers, helping people from all walks of life throughout the U.S. RETREAT PREMIER ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS S COMPASSIONATE TEAM We strive to create a warm, welcoming, supportive environment where patients can focus on healing. Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers works with an expert clinical team that includes primary and team therapists, treatment technicians, team nurses, and outreach specialists. We embrace a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, considering each patient s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. OUR TREATMENT SERVICES Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers offers inpatient drug and alcohol detox, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, family education programs, and more, as well as a range of holistic therapies to promote healing and wellness. Our holistic therapies include culinary, recreational, yoga, art, music, drama, gardening, and massage. Learn more about Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers at retreataddictioncenters.com.