Understanding Depressant Substances

• Depressant substances curb arousal and stimulation by affecting the central nervous system, which slows down communication between the brain and body.
• These substances can impair concentration, coordination, and reaction time.
• Small doses may induce relaxation and reduce inhibitions.
• Larger doses can lead to drowsiness, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.

Methods of Use

• Methods of depressant consumption include swallowing, drinking, injecting, snorting, or inhaling.

Effects of Depressants

• Drug use always carries risks, and depressants affect individuals differently.
• Factors influencing the effects of depressants:
  • Size, weight, and overall health.
  • Tolerance level.
  • Concurrent use of other drugs.
  • Dosage.
  • Drug strength, which can vary in illegally produced substances.
• Effects vary by type and specific chemical.
  • Some depressants act instantly with short-lived effects, like inhalants.
  • Others take longer to manifest effects, which also take longer to dissipate.
• Low doses can result in:
  • Reduced inhibitions.
  • Elevated mood.
  • Reduced anxiety and stress.
  • Slower reaction time.
  • Impaired judgement.
  • Slowed breathing.
  • Increased risk of accidents or injuries.
• Higher doses can result in:
  • Impaired judgement and coordination.
  • Vomiting.
  • Irregular or shallow breathing.
  • Blackouts and memory loss.
  • Unconsciousness.
  • Coma.
  • Death.

Overdose Symptoms

• Symptoms of an overdose:
  • Vomiting.
  • Responsiveness but not awake.
  • Limp body.
  • Pale or clammy face.
  • Blue fingernails or lips.
  • Slow or absent breathing.
  • Slow heartbeat.
  • Choking or gurgling sounds.
  • Unconsciousness.
• Seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services if these symptoms are present.

Mixing Depressants

• Mixing depressants with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, can yield unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
  • Alcohol with benzodiazepines can cause decreased heart rate and breathing, increasing the likelihood of overdose.
  • Benzodiazepines with opiates like heroin can cause breathing difficulties and increase the risk of overdose and death.
• Polydrug use refers to the consumption of more than one drug at the same time.

Polydrug Use

• Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.

Health and Safety Considerations

• Use of depressants poses higher risks when:
  • Combined with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Operating heavy machinery.
  • Activities that require coordination are undertaken.
  • A person is alone.
• When using drugs, start with a small test amount to gauge the effects.
• When drinking alcohol, stay hydrated and eat.

Tolerance and Dependence

• Regular users of depressants can develop tolerance and dependence.
  • Tolerance necessitates larger amounts to achieve the same effect.
• Psychological dependence involves an urge to use depressants in specific settings and social situations.
• Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of depressants.
• Dependence can lead to prioritizing drug use over other life activities, and cravings can make it difficult to quit.

Reducing Harm

• Use of depressants poses higher risks when:
  • Combined with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Operating heavy machinery.
  • Activities that require coordination are undertaken.
  • A person is alone.
• When using drugs, start with a small test amount to gauge the effects.
• When drinking alcohol, stay hydrated and eat.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Withdrawal from depressants can be challenging.
• Severity depends on depressant type.
• Symptoms generally subside in 5-7 days.
• Symptoms include:
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Headache.
  • Sweating.
  • Aches and pains.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Nausea.
  • Mood swings.